Curfew conversation is good

Talking is good, especially when it's between the citizenry and elected officials. Talking promotes understanding, allows for gripes and concerns to be aired and establishes a common ground.

That's why we're in favor of the Greeley City Council talking about setting a curfew for the city's underage youth.

Let's state from the start that we're not advocating any proposed curfew plan. There are too many unknowns at this time, such as:

* How would a curfew law be enforced?

* What safeguards would there be to assure that teens are not targeted or profiled by police?

* What role would parents be expected to play, if any?

* What would be the financial costs to the city, if any?

* How would a curfew law impact teenagers who are employed or in athletics?

So just why are we talking about a Greeley curfew law today? Mayor Ed Clark reopened the discussion recently. The question of whether and how to have those under the age of 16 off the city's streets by a certain time each night has been discussed before -- back in 1994 and again just two years ago in 2006 -- with the conclusion being "no curfew."

Those in favor of an underage curfew, both now and in the past, say time restrictions on teens will reduce criminal activity, among other benefits.

Those against a curfew believe it's the parents' obligation to impose such standards on their children. The question of infringing on teenagers' rights also has been raised.

And this is exactly why we believe the conversation should happen again. There are persuasive arguments by both the proponents and the opponents.

This is where municipal officials can be the most active and effective -- listening to their constituents, letting all sides have a say.

But for an effective dialogue, the Greeley City Council must first provide a detailed outline of the proposed curfew law. Then, after the information is disseminated, the mayor and councilmembers should listen to all sides of the issue and make a decision based on what a majority of Greeley residents are saying. (That's when we'll express our opinion of a curfew law, too, by the way.)

Of course, it goes without saying that none of this will be possible if you don't participate in the dialogue. Get involved. Let your voice be heard. Teenagers, parents, business owners, neighbors -- we all have a vested interest in how our city works.

«Call the Tribune's Two Cents line -- (970) 392-4479 -- and tell us what you think about a curfew law for Greeley, or write a letter to the editor (300 words maximum) outlining your opinion.