Lyons Trustees Vote Agains Rule

Lyons - The town's board of trustees decided Monday night not to place limits on where sex offenders can live in the small foothills town, ending the unexpected controversy that had ensnared the panel.

"Our initial proposal, while it is emotionally appealing, it gives a false sense of security," said Trustee Brian Donnell. "I do believe it would tie up law enforcement resources with what is not an effective sort of law."

Trustee Kris Hicar brought up the idea of placing residency restrictions on sex offenders at a meeting last month. The proposed ordinance would have limited how close sex offenders could live to schools, parks and other areas where children congregate.

But the trustees found themselves involved in the much larger controversy over whether such laws are effective or constitutional. Dozens of people called or wrote letters. Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle opposed the proposed ordinance.

Denver Post