Little Elm, Texas- A north Texas town is considering an ordinance that would restrict not only where registered sex offenders can live, but also where they can go. The residency restriction, which is similar to ordinance in several Texas cities, would prohibit registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of places where children commonly gather, including schools, parks and libraries. But little elm also wants to measure to keep registered sex offenders from entering these areas, regardless of where they live. These restricted zones include about 68% of the land in town.
Now I understand and agree with the fact that registered sex offenders should not be allowed near these areas, and I also agree that it should be monitored where these sex offenders are living, but to cut someone off of 68% of the town they live in is a bit excessive.
The story goes on to say that the Council was expected to vote on the ordinance Tuesday. The Police Chief, Waylan Rhodes says "My job is to try and out think the bad guys" and he said he has heard about how residency restrictions have been ineffective and thought " well, if that's the case, why don't we just make out 1,000 foot radius apply to any registered sex offender? " I agree with that.
The Texas law prohibits most sex offenders who are on parole or probation from going within 1,000 feet of places like schools and day care centers, but this town about 30 miles north of Dallas wants to extend that to all registered sex offenders, even after they have completed their probation. A violation to this ordinance is a misdemeanor that comes with a fine up to 500$.
Now that seems silly to me, they seem to be making such a big deal about where these registered sex offenders can and can not go and the fine is only 500$??
I feel that each case should be dealt with separately. There are cases where girls claim rape and then some guys have to plead guilty to rape etc, to get a lighter sentence. Then had to register as a sex offender when they were released. These guys that may or may not have raped a female but since they had to plead guilty because a girl wanted to lie because she was embarrassed she drank too much now have a ruined life. If one of these guys has kids, and is a registered sex offender, they are not going to be able to be the dad that they most likely want to be because they are not allowed to be near their kids in certain places. I am by no means sticking up for the real child molesters out there!! That is why I think that this should not pass and these cases should be looked at individually.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
The Invincible Govenor Rick Perry
Our Governor Rick Perry and wife will be relocating next month to a humble little gated home in a gated community about twenty five minutes southwest of downtown Austin while the Governors mansion undergoes about 18 months of extensive renovations. The house that Governor Perry choose runs at $10,000 a month. The 4,600 square foot five bed, five bath house was appraised at $1million but has been for sale for $1.8 million. It was completely renovated in 2002 with award-winning bathroom and kitchen and the property includes an 1,100 square foot guest house, suitable for DPS troopers to watch over the states first family.
Mrs. Perry "looked at a dozen house before 'settling' with this one". It just so happens that the property is owned by a Mr. Murrell J. Campell, an elderly man whose daughter, Melinda Grace is the executioner of the property; now Mrs. Grace's husband, Mr. Guy Grace, has donated $2,500 to the Perry campaign since 2005 and also to the Bush campaign. Is this all just a coincidence? I think not.
This story can be found in the Austin American States man or here <http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/campaign/entries/2007/09/26/perrys_to_lease.html >. The story was covered by W. Garner Shelby and has been continuously updated since then, updates as they come such as lease news and property evaluations and mansion renovation news. I do not feel that these updates are as important as the black and whiteness of the story, meaning Perry is wasting state tax dollars for an unnecessary house. Not only is this house going to cost the state $10,000 a month for about eighteen months, but the house is not even in the City of Austin. The minute issue with this is that in a small piece of legislature, the Texas Constitution, it states : in Article 3 Section 58 : "The Legislature shall hold hold its sessions at the City of Austin, which is hereby declared to be the seat of government" , and in Article 4 Section 13 it states: -Residence of Governor- " During the session of legislature, the Governor shall reside where its sessions are held, (remember article 3?) and at all other times at the seat of Government, except when by act of the legislature, he may be required or authorized to reside elsewhere." My guess is that Perry, like his buddy Bush, feel as if they do not have to follow constitutions when in office, and the tax payers that support them do. Perry had one of his little minions try and insure the tax payers that this was all 'okay', but I have a feeling that that wont be enough.
I feel that this is a ridiculous waste of tax payer's money, there are plenty of other homes that Perry could have chosen from. I understand that when you are used to living in luxury you are going to continue to want to do that but not when it is practically political suicide by wasting money, I guess Perry is not going to run for Governor again. Also if the Perry's are so comfortable with unconstitutional acts, like residing outside the City of Austin, why could they not have of just stayed in their home in Dripping Springs? Makes me think that the kids without proper education, homes and health coverage was not crossing the Governor's mind when he was searching for the right home with a pool and full outside kitchen.
Mrs. Perry "looked at a dozen house before 'settling' with this one". It just so happens that the property is owned by a Mr. Murrell J. Campell, an elderly man whose daughter, Melinda Grace is the executioner of the property; now Mrs. Grace's husband, Mr. Guy Grace, has donated $2,500 to the Perry campaign since 2005 and also to the Bush campaign. Is this all just a coincidence? I think not.
This story can be found in the Austin American States man or here <http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/campaign/entries/2007/09/26/perrys_to_lease.html >. The story was covered by W. Garner Shelby and has been continuously updated since then, updates as they come such as lease news and property evaluations and mansion renovation news. I do not feel that these updates are as important as the black and whiteness of the story, meaning Perry is wasting state tax dollars for an unnecessary house. Not only is this house going to cost the state $10,000 a month for about eighteen months, but the house is not even in the City of Austin. The minute issue with this is that in a small piece of legislature, the Texas Constitution, it states : in Article 3 Section 58 : "The Legislature shall hold hold its sessions at the City of Austin, which is hereby declared to be the seat of government" , and in Article 4 Section 13 it states: -Residence of Governor- " During the session of legislature, the Governor shall reside where its sessions are held, (remember article 3?) and at all other times at the seat of Government, except when by act of the legislature, he may be required or authorized to reside elsewhere." My guess is that Perry, like his buddy Bush, feel as if they do not have to follow constitutions when in office, and the tax payers that support them do. Perry had one of his little minions try and insure the tax payers that this was all 'okay', but I have a feeling that that wont be enough.
I feel that this is a ridiculous waste of tax payer's money, there are plenty of other homes that Perry could have chosen from. I understand that when you are used to living in luxury you are going to continue to want to do that but not when it is practically political suicide by wasting money, I guess Perry is not going to run for Governor again. Also if the Perry's are so comfortable with unconstitutional acts, like residing outside the City of Austin, why could they not have of just stayed in their home in Dripping Springs? Makes me think that the kids without proper education, homes and health coverage was not crossing the Governor's mind when he was searching for the right home with a pool and full outside kitchen.
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