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"Should the identity and address of released sex offenders be revealed
to their neighbors?"
(asked at the Redmond Library on 11-26-97; published in the EJ on 11-30-97)

Fran Leitch, Primary school teacher, Redmond

"I hate to just abruptly say yes, but -- yes. It's a difficult question, but I feel that yes, the information should be revealed to the communities. As a parent and as a teacher, I feel it's very important to have that information so parents can make informed decisions about how to keep their children safe in their communities and neighborhoods."

Von Flake, Library assistant, Seattle

"As a Christian, I don't believe that a person's last life should affect their future. It's all part of absolution and forgiveness."

Jerry Snyder, Theater manager, Seattle

"I suppose most people would like to know the information so they might be able to take certain precautions if necessary. And I suppose it would depend on the levels -- a level 3, I'd definitely want to know if someone like that moved into my neighborhood. If someone's at that level, it makes you wonder if he should have been released in the first place."

Howard Warner, Salesman, Duvall

"With sex offenders, yes, I believe the public has a right to know if somebody is moving into their neighborhood and has had legal trouble in that area. I think that they need help, but they also need to be punished. Because there's really no way to stop a person's sexual drive without doing certain things to them... but we're not allowed to do those things the way our laws are written now."

Jan Epstein, Budget manager, Bothell

"Yes. I think that people with children need to know what's going on in their neighborhoods. And it's a situation where research has shown that there's no way to reform a sex offender's behavior. Depending on the nature of the crime, I don't think they should be released from prison."

Ann Roush, Lead children's librarian, Redmond

"Yes. Very definitely. Because that is such a big issue. I'm really concerned about this one that's just moved into Redmond. I don't think any child should have to be exposed to that kind of fear again. The first time was bad enough. But to have him move back so close -- it's too terrifying to the child."

© 1997 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal (née Journal American) newspaper.

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