Consequences should reinforce responsibility

Dear Editor:

This summer vandalism forced the closure of the restrooms in Cedaredge Town Park and at High Country Park. Both were caused by juveniles.

Two boys, ages 8 and 9, filled the town park restroom toilets with gravel and feces. Both were apprehended and admitted to this. The judge said because of their ages no consequences were allowed. They were not even required to assist in the disgusting cleanup of the toilets. This cost the town (we taxpayers) money that should have been used to provide positive services to the community. The boys were sent the message that negative and anti-social behavior that violates and damages others has no consequences. Other juveniles, who probably didn't have to reap the consequences of their behavior when they were younger, destroyed the skylights in the restroom at High Country Park. This is the park Annie Lennart worked on tirelessly, to develop and fund an exceptional skate park for area youth. The cost of this destruction is heightened by the need to replace the framing as well as install new Plexiglas®.

It takes intelligence and innovative thinking to create. Those who lack these qualities destroy what others have made. Vandalism robs our community of the use of facilities during repair as well as robbing us of funds to provide amenities for the citizens and visitors to Cedaredge.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and judges need to teach our children there are positive consequences to positive and altruistic behaviors and there are negative consequences to destructive, anti-social behaviors. I fear for our country if the message is sent that someone other than the perpetrator has to pay for malice and destruction committed by individuals. That message promotes irresponsible behavior that is likely to carry on into adulthood. We need to have consequences that reinforce responsibility and a community that promotes these values.

Marilyn Pipkin

Cedaredge

• < Prev
• Next >