I agree with Ms. O'Brey that the state government needs to enact Jessica's Law under which those (including first time offenders) who are convicted of sexual acts against a victim less than 12 years old would serve a minimum of 25 years in prison and be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring.  Forty-two states have introduced such legislation since Florida's law was passed.  Read the article by Bill O'Reilly at the URL below to see which states have enacted Jessica's Law and which have proposed it's passage.

http://www.billoreilly.com/outragefunnels

Former Governor Pataki proposed the passage of Jessica's Law in 2006.  The legislation has been passed by the State Senate, but has not been acted on by the State Assembly Majority leadership.

http://www.northcountrygazette.org/articles/012306JessicasLaw.html

In the article at the URL below, Mr. O'Reilly cites State Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver for "single-handedly holding the law up".

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,197926,00.html

If it cannot be verifiably proven that these sexual predators can be rehabilitated and returned to society without fear of recidivsm, then the period of incarceration must be increased as promoted in Jessica's Law so that they remain in custody where they cannot pose a threat to our children.

The Conservative Party of New York State has a petition posted on its web site ( http://www.cpnys.org ) calling for sexual preditors to remain in civil confinement.  The petition is located under "Grassroots Activism" link.  All concerned citizens should print and complete the petition and forward to the Conservative Party at the address provided.

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Sex offender law like Nazis’ ‘Final Solution’

   Recently, I was doing some research on anti-Jewish and anti-gay laws passed by the Nazis as a prelude to the “Final Solution.” It was unnerving to find that many of those laws were framed in a way that bore an eerie resemblance to the sex-offender residency statutes enacted by the Schenectady County Legislature.
   The Schenectady laws ban former offenders from going anywhere near schools, youth centers, parks, public swimming pools, playgrounds and child-care facilities. They also empower local officials to evict people from their homes even though these residents already have paid for any crime they may have committed.
   By way of comparison: In 1933 Jews were banned from many schools. In 1937, they were banned from parks, restaurants and swimming pools. In 1938, they were banned from beaches and holiday resorts. A 1939 law empowered local officials to evict them from their homes.    New York state, in the form of Megan’s Law, already has a carefully constructed statute that governs former sex offenders. Under this law, judges, as well as probation and parole officials, are given broad discretion in dealing with ex-offenders who re-enter the community.
   We should rely on the existing state legislation rather than on the unconstitutional, overly broad laws passed by the Schenectady County Legislature. The Schenectady laws only pander to the sort of hysteria which has led to such terrible results in the past.
   FRANK DONEGAN
   Schenectady  

Okay...I 'think' I  understand what Frank is trying to say here. But really, how can you even compare the Jews with sex offenders and mix it up with the Nazis? The jews did absolutely nothing except 'be jews'. Sex offenders on the other hand...well we know!

Frank, the Ed Kosiur's sex offender law is ludicrous at best, but surely not to be compared to the Nazi's. Remember that Hitler wanted the jews extinquished and also wanted to create a 'super race'.

Hitler/Nazi's were just plain NUTS! Ed Kosiur's law is just stupid, unconstitutional and without merit....and probably cost him the election.

Quoted from 38

The Conservative Party of New York State has a petition posted on its web site ( http://www.cpnys.org ) calling for sexual preditors to remain in civil confinement.  The petition is located under "Grassroots Activism" link.  All concerned citizens should print and complete the petition and forward to the Conservative Party at the address provided.

Got it printed and signed, just have to drop it in the mailbox now.

At least we all agree that something has to be done with the sex offenders and adopting Jessica's Law seems like a good choice. I can't imagine why Silver would block a good law  that has been passed by many states that's sole aim is to protect our children. The people who want this law passed should remember what Silver did next time his term is up and vote him out of office.

Jessica's law should have been a no brainer. It is far more superior than the old Ed Kosiur law. Jessica's law has a history of success. And Mr. Kosiur, it is actually constitutional and protects the 'many' and not the 'few'!  And it is clearly NOT politcally motivated. The dems and reps through out the country have voted Jessica's law in Statewide!

Thank God that George Amedore is in the state assembly representing the people pressing for this legislation. If Ed Kosiur had been elected, he would have helped the continued defeat of this law. WE MUST ALL REMEMBER THIS WHEN HE 'TRIES' TO RUN AGAINST AMEDORE AGAIN!!!!!!!!

For those who want to see Kosiur's Law rescinded, it is important the we continue to pressure the Schenectady County Legislators.  The residents of the town of Duanesburg have been collecting signatures on petitions and have written many Letters to the Editor of the Daily Gazette and the Times Union.  I would encourage those who have an opinion and the time to write to the Editor of the Gazette to do so as soon as possible.  It is expected that the rescission and/or revision of the law will be on the agenda of the County Legislature meeting on Tuesday, August 14th.  The more attention that is paid to this issue and the more coverage by the media, the greater the likelihood that the County Legislators will take some  (responsible) action.

Quoted from bumblethru

Okay...I 'think' I  understand what Frank is trying to say here. But really, how can you even compare the Jews with sex offenders and mix it up with the Nazis? The jews did absolutely nothing except 'be jews'. Sex offenders on the other hand...well we know!

Frank, the Ed Kosiur's sex offender law is ludicrous at best, but surely not to be compared to the Nazi's. Remember that Hitler wanted the jews extinquished and also wanted to create a 'super race'.

Hitler/Nazi's were just plain NUTS! Ed Kosiur's law is just stupid, unconstitutional and without merit....and probably cost him the election.

I think his point was..when those in power use fear and blame and hysteria to get laws enacted---it is usually not the best outcome. I agree there is a difference between sex offenders and Jews...but there is also a difference between rational thinking and politiking hysteria.....

And as a society we have yet to draw a line in the sand, give proper definitions and actually know what we are dealing with....just look at all the tittlating material out of Hollywood, cable, adult 'bookstores'(not too much intellectually going on here), strip clubs etc......wait, I forgot one---this internet.....

So to those who stand up to lead----then lead,,,,make sure you are just not making friends

http://www.dailygazette.com

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SCHENECTADY COUNTY
No changes expected on offender laws
Legislation emerges as campaign issue in upcoming town races
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

   Schenectady County leaders do not anticipate changing legislation that will force sex offenders out of the city and perhaps into rural areas, even though the laws loom as a significant campaign issue in the upcoming political races in Rotterdam, Princetown and Duanesburg.
   Republicans in District 4 are already using the controversial legislation to hammer Democratic candidates Robert Godlewski and Anthony Jasenski. Jasenski voted for the law June 12, a day after he was appointed to the county Legislature following the resignation of Legislator Kent Gray, D-Rotterdam.
   Democrats face Republicans incumbent Carolina Lazzari, who voted against the county legislation, and Angelo Santabarbara.
   Republican County Committee Chairman Tom Buchanan said, “Tony Jasenski supported it without consulting with any supervisors. Godlewski refused to explain his position after I challenged him at a Town Board meeting.”
   Jasenski on Monday said he is having second thoughts about his vote. “I voted for it because it was something rather than nothing. I am doing my homework and am making myself more familiar with the feelings of the people,” he said.
   Godlewski said he has concerns about the legislation and is seeking statistics on the effect of residency restrictions on convicted sex offenders.
   “I will make a decision based on input I get from town supervisors and county legislators. Hopefully, the county and supervisors can come to some type of agreement,” Godlewski said.
   Santabarbara said the county laws should be repealed. “Our legislators did not consider the consequences for Rotterdam and neighboring communities,” he said.
   He favors additional monitoring of convicted sex offenders and community notification when they move into an area. He also favors less restrictive buffer zones, which are geographic areas limiting where convicted sex offenders may live.
   The five town supervisors on Friday met with county Legislature Chairwoman Savage, D-Niskayuna, county Legislator Judith Dagostino, R-Rotterdam, and County Attorney Chris Gardner for an hour to discuss the laws, said Niskayuna Supervisor Luke Smith, a Democrat.
   “We were hoping the laws would be rescinded or the Oct. 1 implementation date delayed. We did not get a sense the present laws would change,” Smith said.
   Savage reaffirmed the county’s position on Monday: “There is no change to the law that I anticipate.”
   Supervisors from Rotterdam, Duanesburg, Princetown, Glenville and Niskayuna are concerned the county laws will force convicted sex offenders to move from the city and into their communities, or else fail to register with the state Sex Offender Registry as they seek residences to avoid the county law.
   The county Legislature passed two separate laws. The first law makes it a misdemeanor for any convicted sex offender, regardless of the severity of their crime, to live within 2,000 feet of any facility associated with children. This law is in effect.
   The second law empowers the county to remove registered sex offenders who have not moved out of the exclusion zones by Oct. 1.
   The New York Civil Liberties Union said it plans to seek injunctions against both laws.
   The legislation passed by 11-3, with Democrats Karen Johnson of Schenectady and Michael Eidens of Niskayuna breaking ranks with their caucus to join Republican Carolina Lazzari of Rotterdam in voting no.
IMPACT DISPUTED
   County leaders insist sex offenders will not relocate to rural areas, although they offer no concrete evidence. Savage said the county enacted the legislation to prevent convicted sex offenders from moving into the county from surrounding communities. Saratoga, Rensselaer and Albany counties have legislation that restricts where sex offenders can live.
   “Their fear is they will move into Schenectady County. They do believe they will not move into rural areas,” Smith said. “Their logic is there is no place they can move and no low income housing in rural areas. Where else can they go then but out of the county.”
   Princetown Supervisor Muriel Peterson, a Democrat, said she understands the intent of the county legislation but said the issue should be tackled on a state or federal level. She also said she does not believe convicted sex offenders will relocate to Princetown because of the county laws.
   Her concern is that the county laws make no distinction between level 1, 2 and 3 convicted sex offenders. On the state Sex Offender Registry, Level 3 registrants are most likely to re-offend, while Level 1 registrants are considered a low risk.
   “You need to separate Level 1 and Level 2 from Level 3. I know there must be a way to keep track of level threes, to limit them, or control them because obviously they can’t control their own emotions,” she said.
SECOND THOUGHTS
   County Legislator Joe Suhrada, R-Rotterdam, said the county Legislature should revisit the laws. Suhrada voted for the measure and also proposed similar legislation when he ran for re-election two years ago.
   “People are not happy with it, they are not happy with me because I voted for it, and law enforcement is not happy with it,” Suhrada said. “A lot of people think it’s too heavyhanded.”
   Suhrada favors countywide notification when sex offenders move into areas and smaller exclusion zones, although he is uncertain whether exclusion zones are effective. “If you make a mistake, you should correct it,” he said.
   Political observers said the legislation played a factor in the defeat of Democrat Edward Kosiur in his bid for the 105th state Assembly District seat, held by Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, for 24 years.
   George Amedore Jr., a Republican newcomer to politics, won the seat by 2,811 votes in a special election July 31.
   Kosiur sponsored the county legislation, using it to announce his bid for the state Assembly seat, and vowed to introduce similar legislation in the state Assembly had he won.
   Republicans said Democrats passed the legislation to cement their voter base in the city. The laws, however, polarized residents in Schenectady towns and in Montgomery County, part of the 105th District, which does not have legislation to restrict where sex offenders can live.
   “The residents of Duanesburg and Princetown have deserted them en masse,” Buchanan said.
   Amedore carried the towns of Duanesburg and Princetown over Kosiur by a 900-vote margin, enough to offset the Democratic vote in the city, Buchanan said.
   Republicans will be able to sweep both District 4 seats if they can achieve a similar margin in November, Buchanan said. “We are not going to have a $1 million race, but the issues remain the same and the message is already out there,” he said, referring to the sex offender legislation and Amedore’s other election message of cutting taxes.  

  
  
  

Quoted Text

Godlewski said he has concerns about the legislation and is seeking statistics on the effect of residency restrictions on convicted sex offenders.

Gee, Bob, not even on the county board yet and asking for a study???

Quoted Text

“I will make a decision based on input I get from town supervisors and county legislators. Hopefully, the county and supervisors can come to some type of agreement,” Godlewski said.

I thought he was waiting to hear what came out of the meeting on last Thursday to make a decision.  He now needs MORE information?  And if he can't make up his own mind on something that people are speaking out so much against, what do you think will happen if he sits on the County Board and can't make decisions once he's there?...Maybe that would be a good thing.  Do you think that Bob would stop all the tax raises that the County Board would want to make because he needs more information??

Quoted Text

“People are not happy with it, they are not happy with me because I voted for it, and law enforcement is not happy with it,” Suhrada said. “A lot of people think it’s too heavyhanded.”
   Suhrada favors countywide notification when sex offenders move into areas and smaller exclusion zones, although he is uncertain whether exclusion zones are effective. “If you make a mistake, you should correct it,” he said.

Finally, someone sees the light, but is it a little too late?

I think that the politicians are starting to get the message that the residents of the county don't like their sex offender law.

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County leaders insist sex offenders will not relocate to rural areas, although they offer no concrete evidence.

The leaders being Savage and Dagostino?  These "leaders" offer "no concrete evidence" because they there was no due diligence performed prior to the passage of Kosiur's Law.

The arrogance and ignorance of Ms. Savage and Ms. Dagostino will be their undoing.  They govern based on partisan politics rather than to represent the wishes and serve the interests of their constituency.  The sound of thunderous defeat, similar to that experienced by Mr. Kosiur, is approaching.  It is my assessment that his political career is over; a casualty of his irresponsible and self-serving actions taken in proposing the Sex Offender Residency Laws.

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No changes expected on offender laws

In the title of his news story, Lamendola is quick to render the assessment that the debate regarding Local Laws 03-2007 and 04-2007 is over.  He is off the mark.  In addition to the legal challenge that will be brought by the New York Civil Liberties Union, one that will cost the Schenectady County residents more in taxes to defend the flawed legislation, there are many grassroots efforts ongoing in the towns that will soon come to culmination.

As for the legal challenge to the laws, the issue of who will pay the costs associated with the convicted sex offenders forced relocation has not been considered or addressed.  Some of these people, no doubt, own homes.  Who will pay for the costs of selling the home in a soft real estate market?  Who will pay the penalties associated with an early termination of an apartment lease?  The retroactive enforcement requiring the offenders to relocate has been ruled unconstitutional in court cases across the nation.  We, the Schenectady County residents and taxpayers will bear the cost of the reckless actions of our county legislature.

There are several Legislators who have recently made statements that they have second thoughts regarding Local Laws 03-2007 and 04-2007.  Perhaps this is because they didn't truly analyze the provisions and the impact of the legislation prior to being pressured by Kosiur, Savage and Dagostino to support their passage.  Or, perhaps their change of position is due to the realization that the laws are not supported by their constituencies and that they may not be reelected to office when their terms expire.

By my count, we are approaching a majority of Legislators who either oppose the laws and/or who have expressed a desire to revise them.  The following votes for the rescission and/or revision of the laws may result in the will of the public being served:

Carolina Lazzari (opposed passage)
Michael Eidens (opposed passage)
Karen Johnson (opposed passage)
Joseph Suhrada (expressed second thoughts)
Robert Farley (expressed second thoughts)
Tony Jasenski (expressed second thoughts)
James Buhrmaster (absent for vote)

That's 7 of 15 votes.... We need one more for a majority...  Could the additional vote come from the sponsor
of the legislation, Mr. Kosiur, himself?

I say we all just keep our laptops handy when out and about on the town.....keep the list with photos always accessible and carry a weapon, cell phone (with camera)......or better yet, vacate our homes and the tax base needed to support this law if it is possible at all.....

There is a ton of  politiking going on right now. It is a major dem/rep battle. But folks I have to tell ya, that the dems are a huge dictatorship in our area. Just look at the city. A pathetic bunch for sure! And just gander at our own county legislature. It has become another pathetic bunch lead by Susan Savage and Judy turn coat Dagostino.

Susan and Judy...they are kind of like the old 'Punch and Judy' puppet duo. They are a show within themselves. And everyone has become a puppet of Suzie 'punch' Savage. The county legislatures don't even have to think anymore. They are all told what to do and they just do it! END OF STORY and the hell with the residents they represent.

They all need to be voted out!!!

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Dems must admit mistake, dump law

   Are Schenectady County’s Democratic leaders stupid, or just stubborn?
   A week after their guy got chewed up by a political neophyte in the 105th Assembly District race, primarily over fallout from the misguided sex offender law he sponsored, Democratic officials insist they have no intention of abandoning it. Meanwhile, their Republican adversaries have already begun using it against them in the fall election campaign.
   Granted, it wouldn’t be easy for Democrats to admit they were wrong, given all the controversy over the law’s passage. But it might be more politically damaging to ignore the various warnings: voters in the heavily Democratic district rejecting Ed Kosiur’s candidacy despite a monumental effort by party leaders; suburban officials and residents continuing to grouse about the law; and Republican candidates starting to make an issue of it. It could hurt them the way President Bush’s stubbornness over the war issue has hurt Republicans at the national level.
   Pulling a 180 on this issue wouldn’t be that hard. After all, at least some Republicans who once supported the law — or decried it for not being tough enough — are now singing a different tune. The Democrats need to find a face-saving way of doing so, and fast.  

  
  
  

http://www.dailygazette.com

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Strock misunderstands nature of child molesters

   This is in response to the July 31 Carl Strock column regarding child molesters.
   Mr. Strock is again mistaken. Child molesters have always existed. Years ago this was a well-kept, shameful secret (and sadly still is in many cases).
   I recall a girl in our neighborhood who was almost dragged into a car by a man in 1956. Another friend had an uncle who sexually abused all four of his daughters most of their lives. Some very prominent locals, thought to be “upstanding” male members of churches, social organizations, etc., are child molesters.
   Yes, there are inequalities within our judicial system — often from the lack of financial resources to have the best legal support.
   Remember, there are child molesters who are never caught, and who keep repeating their crimes against children. Wise up, Mr. Strock. This is a crime and illness which is never cured but managed. Maybe you need to spend some time listening to the victims of these crimes. Why do you have such a prejudiced and unrealistic view? It is as if you are blind to the magnitude of this enormous problem that crosses all boundaries, all races and socioeconomic levels. Alcohol and drugs and pornography intensify all forms of abuse.
   I have worked with victims and molesters as a therapist. It’s a very sad situation — everyone gets hurt. Oftentimes, victims grow up to be repeat offenders. We need to stop the abuse and help our children to be safe.
   ARLENE SHAKO
   Schoharie