The Town Of Algoma in Wisconsin Passes Tough Sex Offender Restriction: Effectively Bans Any More Sex Offenders from Living There
A good example of what CAN be done. Unfortunately, it takes a community effort. A community effort is what is lacking in Highlands Ranch.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=5690174
Town of Algoma Passes State's Toughest Sex Offender Restriction
Nov 16, 2006 07:07 AM
By Chris Duffy
After a unanimous vote, the Town of Algoma says it's the first community to have restrictions on where convicted child sex offenders can live. Almost the entire town is now off-limits to convicted sex offenders.
The Town of Algoma is located in Winnebago County, just west of Oshkosh. In a town of its size, the ordinance effectively bans any more sex offenders from living there. Town leaders say they passed the ordinance to protect its children.
Effective immediately with Wednesday night's vote, child sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school, church, park, or any other place where children gather. The ordinance applies to those who committed sex crimes against children under the age of 16.
"We need to protect our children, and that's what it's all about," said Tim Blake, a town supervisor.
The 5-0 vote creates what town leaders say is the first sex offender ordinance of its kind in the state.
"We need to be the trend setters, the torch bearers for this movement, and I hope other communities go forward with this," said Blake.
"It took a lot of courage to do that, because we know we could be facing possible suits," Town Chair Dick Spanbauer said.
Town leaders say they wouldn't be surprised if this is challenged at the state level. If it is, they say paying the legal bills would be a worthwhile expense.
"If that prevents or helps prevent an offender molesting or kidnapping a child, how do you put a price on that?" Spanbauer said.
Town leaders say they expect other communities to follow suit, and years down the road they'll look back with pride knowing they were first.
Thirteen registered sex offenders who already live in the town will not be affected, town leaders said.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=5690174
Town of Algoma Passes State's Toughest Sex Offender Restriction
Nov 16, 2006 07:07 AM
By Chris Duffy
After a unanimous vote, the Town of Algoma says it's the first community to have restrictions on where convicted child sex offenders can live. Almost the entire town is now off-limits to convicted sex offenders.
The Town of Algoma is located in Winnebago County, just west of Oshkosh. In a town of its size, the ordinance effectively bans any more sex offenders from living there. Town leaders say they passed the ordinance to protect its children.
Effective immediately with Wednesday night's vote, child sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of a school, church, park, or any other place where children gather. The ordinance applies to those who committed sex crimes against children under the age of 16.
"We need to protect our children, and that's what it's all about," said Tim Blake, a town supervisor.
The 5-0 vote creates what town leaders say is the first sex offender ordinance of its kind in the state.
"We need to be the trend setters, the torch bearers for this movement, and I hope other communities go forward with this," said Blake.
"It took a lot of courage to do that, because we know we could be facing possible suits," Town Chair Dick Spanbauer said.
Town leaders say they wouldn't be surprised if this is challenged at the state level. If it is, they say paying the legal bills would be a worthwhile expense.
"If that prevents or helps prevent an offender molesting or kidnapping a child, how do you put a price on that?" Spanbauer said.
Town leaders say they expect other communities to follow suit, and years down the road they'll look back with pride knowing they were first.
Thirteen registered sex offenders who already live in the town will not be affected, town leaders said.
posted by Colorado Parent at 8:26 AM
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