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Methuen Mayoral Candidate Wants State Of Emergency Declared In Lawrence

METHUEN (CBS) - A man running for mayor in Methuen is calling on state officials to take over Lawrence.

Ken Willette Jr. says the governor should declare a State of Emergency in Lawrence because the leadership at City Hall is not addressing the problem bars.

He believes this past weekend's "near riot" in downtown Lawrence is a sign of worse things to come that could impact his community.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports

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Willette says there is, "Very lackadaisical enforcement at the local licensing board level."

He says he would like to see the entire board be revamped, reduce the hours of operation for problem bars and put curfews into effect if necessary.

He says the state should also provide additional law enforcement in the city, so that communities like Methuen don't have to send their police officers in for backup.

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