Comments on: Youth Curfew Approved for Nighttime Hours http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:48:56 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: g.mcginnis http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-124 g.mcginnis Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:04:48 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-124 I grew up with a curfew rule.Me and my siblings have to abide our fathers'rule,"the curfew." During school days or no school days, we had to be home before six o`clock p.m. hit.My father would be waiting at our doorstep,if one of us is late, the leather belt is waiting.Unless there is special event like choir practice at our church every Saturday.But we will be accompanied by them. So much to that,I think it is the parents responsibility to impose some kind of curfew rule at home.I applied that now to my children at their early age. They want to visit their friend next door,I said its okey as long as they will be home after an hour and thats before six p.m.I train them on how to be responsible with their curfew time. If they do not listen,I give them consequence,me and particularly my husband. That is probably be good so no kids under eighteen would still be in the street wandering.In fact one time I smelled marijuana as I drove home from walmart.That was when I lived in the apartment complex.And a group of kids under eighteen years old were smoking marijuana.And one kid approach me and said, you are not going to tell ... I told him, its none of my business. But the day after, someone scratch my car.He was my next door neighbor.I was glad I moved and bought a house and still even in my neighborhood I smelled some marijuana as I was driving home one time,as I was passing this two teenager that i do not know.It was in a day time.Another event,somebody was knocking in our door after eight p.m. as we looked and search out all we found are teenager wandering in our block.So I think that is probably a good benefits for everybody,exept those that have homeschool children. I grew up with a curfew rule.Me and my siblings have to abide our fathers’rule,”the curfew.” During school days or no school days, we had to be home before six o`clock p.m. hit.My father would be waiting at our doorstep,if one of us is late, the leather belt is waiting.Unless there is special event like choir practice at our church every Saturday.But we will be accompanied by them.
So much to that,I think it is the parents responsibility to impose some kind of curfew rule at home.I applied that now to my children at their early age. They want to visit their friend next door,I said its okey as long as they will be home after an hour and thats before six p.m.I train them on how to be responsible with their curfew time. If they do not listen,I give them consequence,me and particularly my husband.
That is probably be good so no kids under eighteen would still be in the street wandering.In fact one time I smelled marijuana as I drove home from walmart.That was when I lived in the apartment complex.And a group of kids under eighteen years old were smoking marijuana.And one kid approach me and said, you are not going to tell … I told him, its none of my business. But the day after, someone scratch my car.He was my next door neighbor.I was glad I moved and bought a house and still even in my neighborhood I smelled some marijuana as I was driving home one time,as I was passing this two teenager that i do not know.It was in a day time.Another event,somebody was knocking in our door after eight p.m. as we looked and search out all we found are teenager wandering in our block.So I think that is probably a good benefits for everybody,exept those that have homeschool children.

]]> By: Russ and Sue Schrowang http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-123 Russ and Sue Schrowang Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:27:00 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-123 I want to thank the Council and Mayor for deleting the Daytime Curfew. Thank you for listening to our concerns and doing jobs that may not always be appreciated. I want to thank the Council and Mayor for deleting the Daytime Curfew. Thank you for listening to our concerns and doing jobs that may not always be appreciated.

]]> By: Simon Goodall http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-122 Simon Goodall Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:47:02 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-122 Since as a society we have chosen to stop taking responsibility as parents and require the world to raise our children, it seems appropriate we would arrive at the need for a curfew. Our educators struggle every day with our “spoiled children” who receive everything they want, and act like brats at school and on the streets. When the school attempts to discipline and regulate the actions of these children, those who fail to act like parents are the first in line to whine and protest. Now we have arrived at a need for a curfew because you can drive the streets of this city in the early morning hours and find 12 year old children roaming the streets. I am sure the important business that would find them on the street at 3 a.m. in the morning could probably wait until daytime. Yet instead they roam the streets and my neighbors and I find our yards strewn with toilet paper. We wake to find our yards destroyed after being driven through by their vehicles and our mailboxes and homes vandalized. Maybe its time we issue a curfew...and maybe it is time we start acting like parents who raise children instead of acting like they have the same rights as adults. They are your children; maybe if you could control them, we would not need laws to do your job. I believe this curfew will enable the Officers to stop and visit with all children out after curfew and find the problems and possibly force those who would not act as parents, to change their behavior and teach their children respect for both the law and the others with whom we share this city. Since as a society we have chosen to stop taking responsibility as parents and require the world to raise our children, it seems appropriate we would arrive at the need for a curfew. Our educators struggle every day with our “spoiled children” who receive everything they want, and act like brats at school and on the streets. When the school attempts to discipline and regulate the actions of these children, those who fail to act like parents are the first in line to whine and protest. Now we have arrived at a need for a curfew because you can drive the streets of this city in the early morning hours and find 12 year old children roaming the streets. I am sure the important business that would find them on the street at 3 a.m. in the morning could probably wait until daytime. Yet instead they roam the streets and my neighbors and I find our yards strewn with toilet paper. We wake to find our yards destroyed after being driven through by their vehicles and our mailboxes and homes vandalized. Maybe its time we issue a curfew…and maybe it is time we start acting like parents who raise children instead of acting like they have the same rights as adults. They are your children; maybe if you could control them, we would not need laws to do your job. I believe this curfew will enable the Officers to stop and visit with all children out after curfew and find the problems and possibly force those who would not act as parents, to change their behavior and teach their children respect for both the law and the others with whom we share this city.

]]> By: Randy Cauley http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-121 Randy Cauley Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:11:09 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-121 This is not well thought-out. Panama City, due to very high violent crime rates, does not have a curfew this strict. The daytime curfew is ill-advised and should be challenged in court should it pass (home-schoolers, work-study). There are a number of homeless teens in Georgetown, who, like adults, sometimes have to take care of a myriad of personal business items (unfortunately) during the day. This section should be removed: 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday when school is in session Also, since I work, attend online classes, and manage a number of children who are active in after-school programs, evening access to the parks for exercise is important to me. Would hope that the park hours are extended to allow for access as late as midnight. This is not well thought-out.
Panama City, due to very high violent crime rates, does not have a curfew this strict.

The daytime curfew is ill-advised and should be challenged in court should it pass (home-schoolers, work-study). There are a number of homeless teens in Georgetown, who, like adults, sometimes have to take care of a myriad of personal business items (unfortunately) during the day. This section should be removed: 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday when school is in session

Also, since I work, attend online classes, and manage a number of children who are active in after-school programs, evening access to the parks for exercise is important to me. Would hope that the park hours are extended to allow for access as late as midnight.

]]> By: Joel and Lynn Goode http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-120 Joel and Lynn Goode Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:34:10 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-120 We agree with the Council that a nighttime curfew may be necessary for some Youth in the area. However, we strongly oppose the suggested daytime curfew for those under 17. As implied above, we think the world outside the school room offers much value for educating our youth. We have always taught our children not to be afraid of, but to honor and respect men and women in uniform. We've taught them to seek out their help. We've taught them that they can trust officers of the law. The proposed ordinance suggests that might not be totally true anymore. It suggests that maybe our children will be detained or harassed by an officer just because they are checking out books at the library, volunteering at The Caring Place, or delivering Meals on Wheels. Wouldn't that be going backwards instead of forward? That can't be what Georgetown wants. Our family chooses to spend our lives out and about in Georgetown. We love this city. Please don't make us lawbreakers because we want our children to experience it during the day. Please reject the proposed ordinance. It's unnecessary, in that those teens already skipping out of school and breaking the law will be undeterred by your actions; however, those respectable teens who are obeying the law now will be unduly harmed. We agree with the Council that a nighttime curfew may be necessary for some Youth in the area. However, we strongly oppose the suggested daytime curfew for those under 17. As implied above, we think the world outside the school room offers much value for educating our youth.

We have always taught our children not to be afraid of, but to honor and respect men and women in uniform. We’ve taught them to seek out their help. We’ve taught them that they can trust officers of the law. The proposed ordinance suggests that might not be totally true anymore. It suggests that maybe our children will be detained or harassed by an officer just because they are checking out books at the library, volunteering at The Caring Place, or delivering Meals on Wheels. Wouldn’t that be going backwards instead of forward? That can’t be what Georgetown wants.

Our family chooses to spend our lives out and about in Georgetown. We love this city. Please don’t make us lawbreakers because we want our children to experience it during the day.

Please reject the proposed ordinance. It’s unnecessary, in that those teens already skipping out of school and breaking the law will be undeterred by your actions; however, those respectable teens who are obeying the law now will be unduly harmed.

]]> By: Joan Lewis http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-119 Joan Lewis Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:46:56 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-119 Once again I am sad to see where "a few" are causing restrictions, unnecessary ordinances, busy work and expense for many. Apparently recent vandalism has brought the proposed curfew to the City Council. If this is true, no doubt this will be an expensive but mere Band-Aid solution. What has happened to teaching values and respect of property? Truth is, this has been a problem for years. As long as parents/guardians are not teaching the Golden Rule, individual responsibility, and to accept consequences this matter will not be resolved. It's the caring families teaching right from wrong, the inncent who continue to suffer the consequences becuase of the "few". My head spins from the extensive list concerning this proposal. With truancy laws and designated officers in place, situations between school and parent/guardian during the school year should be sufficient. Summer is probably a different story but one would think with all there is to do in the 21st century, kids would not be bored! Why do we as a society continue to believe that more regulations....more government.....more lack of freedoms...is the answer. Maybe we could be different from the norm....give parents the right to be parents. There continues to be a "Death of Common Sense". Once again I am sad to see where “a few” are causing restrictions, unnecessary ordinances, busy work and expense for many. Apparently recent vandalism has brought the proposed curfew to the City Council. If this is true, no doubt this will be an expensive but mere Band-Aid solution.
What has happened to teaching values and respect of property? Truth is, this has been a problem for years. As long as parents/guardians are not teaching the Golden Rule, individual responsibility, and to accept consequences this matter will not be resolved. It’s the caring families teaching right from wrong, the inncent who continue to suffer the consequences becuase of the “few”.
My head spins from the extensive list concerning this proposal. With truancy laws and designated officers in place, situations between school and parent/guardian during the school year should be sufficient. Summer is probably a different story but one would think with all there is to do in the 21st century, kids would not be bored!
Why do we as a society continue to believe that more regulations….more government…..more lack of freedoms…is the answer.
Maybe we could be different from the norm….give parents the right to be parents. There continues to be a “Death of Common Sense”.

]]> By: Garey and Rhonda Hensley http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-118 Garey and Rhonda Hensley Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:51:45 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-118 While I am not opposed to curfews as a whole, the daytime curfew does not take into account the rights and responsibilities of parents. I ask that you reconsider this motion and provide exceptions for homeschooled/private schooled children or strike the daytime curfew out entirely. A very large group of people in the Georgetown area (either residents or those doing business in) have chosen to not use the public school system and educate their children in an alternate fashion. For many of us daytime trips are a common tool of education. Having restrictions on how and when our children can learn is certainly not something that I can imagine the Council desires. Please reject this proposal in its current form. While I am not opposed to curfews as a whole, the daytime curfew does not take into account the rights and responsibilities of parents. I ask that you reconsider this motion and provide exceptions for homeschooled/private schooled children or strike the daytime curfew out entirely.

A very large group of people in the Georgetown area (either residents or those doing business in) have chosen to not use the public school system and educate their children in an alternate fashion. For many of us daytime trips are a common tool of education. Having restrictions on how and when our children can learn is certainly not something that I can imagine the Council desires.

Please reject this proposal in its current form.

]]> By: James and Phillipa Lawrence http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-117 James and Phillipa Lawrence Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:10:03 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-117 I don't see a need for this rule, I question whether it is constitutional, and I believe the daytime portion of it may become an avenue for harassment of homeschool families. I am not aware that we have a problem in Georgetown that requires a curfew law. I live and work in Georgetown and I am not aware of any problems with youth day or night that requires additional laws. Enforcing existing laws would be sufficient. If youth are out breaking the law that is one thing but this only provides the police an opportunity to stop any youthful looking person without other cause. I am not satisfied with myriad "exceptions" that have been suggested be written into the law as they would only apply after someone is stopped by the police. The constitutionality of curfew laws, particularly daytime curfews, has been called into question. I would hate to see Georgetown tax dollars used to argue this in court in the future, especially since there does not appear to be any need for this law in the first place. Georgetown has many homeschooling families (ours included) that will be inconvenienced by the daytime portion of the proposed law. There have been many instances of disgruntled neighbors or relatives mis-using government agencies such as CPS to harass families including homeschooling families. The proposed law is a step in the wrong direction. Causing homeschool families go about their business in fear of the Georgetown police sends the wrong message to our citizens and especially our children. I am personally of the opinion and belief that many of the problems with Americas youth are caused by society taking away the responsibilities of youth and families, and giving those responsibilities to government. The proposed curfew law adds to that problem. I don’t see a need for this rule, I question whether it is constitutional, and I believe the daytime portion of it may become an avenue for harassment of homeschool families.

I am not aware that we have a problem in Georgetown that requires a curfew law. I live and work in Georgetown and I am not aware of any problems with youth day or night that requires additional laws. Enforcing existing laws would be sufficient. If youth are out breaking the law that is one thing but this only provides the police an opportunity to stop any youthful looking person without other cause. I am not satisfied with myriad “exceptions” that have been suggested be written into the law as they would only apply after someone is stopped by the police.

The constitutionality of curfew laws, particularly daytime curfews, has been called into question. I would hate to see Georgetown tax dollars used to argue this in court in the future, especially since there does not appear to be any need for this law in the first place.

Georgetown has many homeschooling families (ours included) that will be inconvenienced by the daytime portion of the proposed law. There have been many instances of disgruntled neighbors or relatives mis-using government agencies such as CPS to harass families including homeschooling families. The proposed law is a step in the wrong direction. Causing homeschool families go about their business in fear of the Georgetown police sends the wrong message to our citizens and especially our children.

I am personally of the opinion and belief that many of the problems with Americas youth are caused by society taking away the responsibilities of youth and families, and giving those responsibilities to government. The proposed curfew law adds to that problem.

]]> By: Tom Thornhill http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-116 Tom Thornhill Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:05:11 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-116 As a former teacher, coach, school administrator and juvenile probation officer in Texas, I am opposed to a proposed daytime curfew for those under 17 years old. The law is already in place for those who fail to attend school so in my opinion no additional law is needed. We should not take this responsibility away from parents and place it in the hands of law enforcement. As a former teacher, coach, school administrator and juvenile probation officer in Texas, I am opposed to a proposed daytime curfew for those under 17 years old. The law is already in place for those who fail to attend school so in my opinion no additional law is needed. We should not take this responsibility away from parents and place it in the hands of law enforcement.

]]> By: Phyllis R. Moses http://news.georgetown.org/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-115 Phyllis R. Moses Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:42:21 +0000 http://blogs.georgetown.org/blog/2008/08/06/youth-curfew-ordinance-on-august-12/#comment-115 My husband, Brian and I have several school-age grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visit us at school breaks here in Sun City. If there is an enforceable curfew and we are out during these times, it would be difficult and troublesome to prove they were not residents of the community, thus not required to be in local schools at those times. I undertand curfews after dark and after hours, but this seems to portend to be a hardship type legal entanglement. Aren't there other ways to ensure school attendance? Phyllis Moses My husband, Brian and I have several school-age
grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visit
us at school breaks here in Sun City. If there is
an enforceable curfew and we are out during these
times, it would be difficult and troublesome to
prove they were not residents of the community, thus not required to be in local schools at those times. I undertand curfews after dark and after hours, but this seems to portend to be a hardship
type legal entanglement. Aren’t there other ways
to ensure school attendance?

Phyllis Moses

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