RENO, Nev. (AP) — A Reno city councilwoman is accusing the owners of a strip club of using low-income residents as "political pawns" by threatening to raise the rent at an adjoining weekly motel if the city follows through with a plan to force existing strip clubs out of downtown.
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports dozens of tenants of the Ponderosa Motel pleaded with council members Wednesday to strike a deal with the clubs after the owner of the motel and neighboring White Orchid club threatened to double their rent.
Velma Shoal, who lives at the motel with her 15-year-old granddaughter, was among those who responded to the owner's plea to put pressure on the council. She said the motel is the only thing that keeps them from becoming homeless.
Councilwoman Neoma Jardon says using the tenants as "political pawns" is a "disgusting tactic."