The Observer out of Sarnia, Ontario, has issued the following report with regards to the controversy sparked by councillor Dave Boushy's call back in April to have MÖTLEY CRÜE dropped from this year's installment of the Sarnia Bayfest

In all his years in the political spotlight, Coun. Dave Boushy has never made a comment that generated so much reaction. It’s been a month since he expressed concern over Mötley Crüe’s off-stage antics and tried to convince city councillors that they should have some say in which acts appear at Bayfest in a city-owned park.

“I don’t want to see pornography on land that is owned by the community,” Boushy said during a meeting at city hall. Council shot down the idea, but the ensuing media coverage sparked outrage in many quarters. Much of the letter-writing, blogging and phone calls were from people upset that a politician wanted to censor who performs in Sarnia. Countless Mötley Crüe fans defended the band at dozens of Internet sites where Boushy’s remarks were rehashed.

“This thing really took off. I really haven’t seen anything like it in my political life,” he said.

That’s saying a lot considering 76-year-old Boushy was first elected to Sarnia council 44 years ago and served a term as MPP. Yet he was surprised by the amount of reaction, he said. "People around the world responded. There were thousands of comments on the Internet and people writing letters.”

Many opposed his position, but he has no regrets.

“It doesn’t matter that they weren’t supportive. I did what I believe had to be done. I made a point and I’d do it again," he said.

Boushy said the irony is that he’s a “big Bayfest supporter.” He worries the impression left was he doesn’t like Sarnia’s huge outdoor music festival.

“That’s not true at all. I love all kinds of music. I just felt I had to follow my conscience. My faith is what drives me.”

So much has been said about Boushy’s concerns about Mötley Crüe’s appearance in Sarnia this summer that many people, including him, are a little fatigued by it all.

But Bayfest promoters have enjoyed every minute.

“Ticket sales are stronger than ever,” said Michele Stokley who founded Bayfest with her husband Jim 10 years ago. “We didn’t see a big spike when city council talked about Mötley Crüe but overall sales are ahead of any other year.”

Click here to read Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx's comments on Boushy's stand.

The Sarnia Bayfest runs from July 6th - 13th. Go to this location for details.