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Nov 30, 2006 7:12 pm US/Eastern
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Marlboro Mayor To Veto Proposed Sex Offender Ban
MARLBORO (CBS4) ―
Marlboro Mayor Nancy Stevens said she will veto a proposed ordinance that would essentially ban sex offenders from living in the city.
The ordinance calls for a 2,500 foot safe zone around all schools, daycares and playgrounds. No level-two or level-three sex offenders who committed crimes against children would be allowed to move into those zones.
That covers roughly 95 percent of the city, leaving only a five percent area for sex offenders to live. More than 50 registered sex offenders currently live in the city.
"If every community in the Commonwealth were to cast an ordinance like this and you look at the restrictions, where is anyone going to live? We need to have uniform state restrictions,"s aid Mayor Stevens.
"We're obviously disappointed with this decision. I think we had a well crafted order based on other legislation in other states. We do believe we crafted it in a way it would stand up to challenges," said city councilor Steven Levy.
The American Civil Liberties Union has threatened legal action if this ordinance passes.
"We certainly anticipate that if there are people in the town that are going to be adversely affected by it, we'll want to talk to them and we're seriously considering litigation," says ACLU Legal Director John Reinstein.
The city cannot take property away from residents, so offenders who own houses would be allowed to stay, but renters would have to move once their current lease expires.
"All I'm trying to do is live. Go on with my life. I'm not bothering anybody," said Thomas Lanigan, a convicted sex offender who was released from prison nine months ago.
It took eight out eleven city council votes to pass this ordinance. It will take another eight votes to override the mayor's veto. The issue could come up again on December 18.
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