Community responds to "Girls Gone Wild"

Members of the city of Commerce's government and certain establishments have expressed mixed feelings about adult video company Girls Gone Wild coming to Commerce on April 1.

Mayor Quay Throgmorton said he welcomes free enterprise, but is not very familiar with much of the company's work.

"All I have seen is the commercials late at night," he said.

Safety is a concern with events such as these, but Throgmorton said he is sure the Commerce Police Department will be up to the task.

"I'm sure they will ensure nothing illegal happens," he said.

A representative from CPD said the police have no comment on how they will handle the event.

The event, which will be hosted at The Rail, is scheduled to be a foam party. Throgmorton said in addition to the police doing their job he is sure the owner and staff of The Rail will do everything they can to prevent illegal activity.

Mayor Pro Temp Billie Biggerstaff said she had not heard the film group was coming to Commerce and was shocked to find out.

"I don't mean to laugh, but I'm just so surprised to hear about this," she said.

Although Biggerstaff laughed when first hearing the news, she said it is still a serious matter.

"I can laugh about it now, but I do not think it's funny," she said. "It's just a shock."

Biggerstaff said it's okay to have organizations such as Girls Gone Wild come through town sometimes, as long as it does not become commonplace.

"We don't want this kind of element in town all the time," she said.

Throgmorton agreed with Biggerstaff.

"Things like this are okay now and then as long as it does not become a regular occurrence," he said.

Pastor of The First Presbyterian Church in Commerce Mary Lyman had a different opinion.

"I would caution women in Commerce not to get involved, it's degrading," she said.

Throgmorton said women who are thinking about participating in the event should consider possible future ramifications. With the advent of computer technology and videos being put on the Internet, Throgmorton said women who let themselves be videotaped could suffer consequences well into the future.

"I would encourage these folks who are thinking about participating to think about it for awhile before taking action," he said. "One day you may have children and they may see the video."

Throgmorton said although Girls Gone Wild is a legal business, he cautions anyone at the event to use good judgment.

Biggerstaff said despite the stigma that goes with the group she does not think this event will do any damage to Commerce.

"It won't hurt our reputation as long as they come and go," she said.