Council takes sex crimes stance
By Tim Hrenchir Created September 14, 2010 at 10:11pm
Updated September 14, 2010 at 11:40pm
The Topeka City Council took a united stance Tuesday night in support of toughening restrictions on registered sex offenders.
Council members voted 8-0, with Councilman Richard Harmon away on business, to approve a resolution sponsored by Councilman Jack Woelfel at the request of an Olathe-based group, Kansas Rights 4 Kids.
The three-sentence resolution resolves "That the city of Topeka strongly supports efforts to strengthen and enhance Kansas state laws with respect to registered sex offenders."
It adds: "Education, monitoring and enhanced community awareness to keep children as safe as possible — at home, in neighborhoods and at school — should be the goal of government, parents and all citizens. Effective and efficient provisions should be supported to better protect our children."
Tuesday's vote came after the council heard from Olathe residents Lesley Ramirez, Michell Prothe and Sara Wood, of Kansas Rights 4 Kids. They suggested the state restrict convicted child molesters from living near schools or interacting with children.
Prothe said legislation of the type Kansas Rights 4 Kids advocates has become law in all states adjoining Kansas except Colorado.
"We want to prevent Kansas from becoming a sex offender safe haven, if it hasn't already," she said.
The women said they were working with Rep. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, to craft a bill for the Legislature to consider. Ramirez said that while the wording hadn't been finalized, Kansas Rights 4 Kids was seeking letters of support from cities as its members prepare to appear Sept. 23 before a legislative judicial committee.
Councilwoman Karen Hiller raised questions about Woelfel's proposal, suggesting it was "pretty general."
Mayor Bill Bunten replied that the measure served only as a statement that legislators should look at laws regarding registered sex offenders and strengthen them, where possible.
The council also voted 7-1, with Councilman Jeff Preisner dissenting, to defer action for one week on Hiller's proposal to allow the possession or consumption of liquor or cereal malt beverages at special events at any city building or facility, provided the council approves a resolution in advance.
Read More here http://cjonline.com/news/local/2010-09-14/council_takes_sex_crimes_stance
Updated September 14, 2010 at 11:40pm
The Topeka City Council took a united stance Tuesday night in support of toughening restrictions on registered sex offenders.
Council members voted 8-0, with Councilman Richard Harmon away on business, to approve a resolution sponsored by Councilman Jack Woelfel at the request of an Olathe-based group, Kansas Rights 4 Kids.
The three-sentence resolution resolves "That the city of Topeka strongly supports efforts to strengthen and enhance Kansas state laws with respect to registered sex offenders."
It adds: "Education, monitoring and enhanced community awareness to keep children as safe as possible — at home, in neighborhoods and at school — should be the goal of government, parents and all citizens. Effective and efficient provisions should be supported to better protect our children."
Tuesday's vote came after the council heard from Olathe residents Lesley Ramirez, Michell Prothe and Sara Wood, of Kansas Rights 4 Kids. They suggested the state restrict convicted child molesters from living near schools or interacting with children.
Prothe said legislation of the type Kansas Rights 4 Kids advocates has become law in all states adjoining Kansas except Colorado.
"We want to prevent Kansas from becoming a sex offender safe haven, if it hasn't already," she said.
The women said they were working with Rep. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, to craft a bill for the Legislature to consider. Ramirez said that while the wording hadn't been finalized, Kansas Rights 4 Kids was seeking letters of support from cities as its members prepare to appear Sept. 23 before a legislative judicial committee.
Councilwoman Karen Hiller raised questions about Woelfel's proposal, suggesting it was "pretty general."
Mayor Bill Bunten replied that the measure served only as a statement that legislators should look at laws regarding registered sex offenders and strengthen them, where possible.
The council also voted 7-1, with Councilman Jeff Preisner dissenting, to defer action for one week on Hiller's proposal to allow the possession or consumption of liquor or cereal malt beverages at special events at any city building or facility, provided the council approves a resolution in advance.
Read More here http://cjonline.com/news/local/2010-09-14/council_takes_sex_crimes_stance
