In Florida, many state legislators feel the laws against those convicted of a sex offense can't be too strict.
Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) is of such an opinion.
"I imagine if the state of Florida could simply expel sex predators they would," Gelber said. "I've always said on this issue, I think we should push the envelope and courts will push us back as appropriate."
I imagine Gelber sounds like a man running for the Florida state Senate (District 25).
Currently a state rep, Gelber led the charge against Florida state Senator Dave Aronberg's (D-Greenacres) failed bill that would have created a uniform statewide residency standard, preventing sex offenders from living within 1,500 feet from places children frequent.
Aronberg's proposed 1,500-foot statewide buffer actually increased distance by 500 feet; current state law dictates that sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of places such as schools, although dozens of Florida cities have adopted their own, tougher laws.
Places like New Port Richey and Miami Beach.
Oops. Miami Beach. That's where Dan calls home.
His defense of local control over residency restrictions sounds a lot like NIMBY thinking.
Gelber said he regularly checks the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Web site to keep track of the offenders in his neighborhood. He has to do whatever he can, he said, to keep offenders away from children -- including his own.
Well, Dan. Keep your eyes peeled on New Hampshire transients, hoping to stake their claim living under a bridge somewhere near you. Just signed into law by NH Governor Lynch.....
Multiple convictions of public urination could land habitual public urinators on a sex offender registry. The law goes into effect in 2009.
See what one stroke of the pen can do? What's next? Habitual public affection?
Oh and by the way, Dan.
The Florida courts have spoken on residency restrictions. Aronberg's effort to replace all the local ordinances with a single state law has legal grounding. Last year, a Duval County judge ruled that state standards trump those of local governments when it comes to monitoring sex offenders.
Get your head outta of the political sandbox with lobbyist and fellow Miami Beach resident Ron Book and do your homework, Representative Gelber.
