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By Diana Bowley, Of the NEWS Staff - GREENVILLE - Solutions to curb vandalism and the late-night roaming of juveniles will be sought by a committee of Greenville volunteers.Selectmen voted Wednesday to form a diverse committee to address ways to rein in the number of juveniles out late at night, which in turn, is expected to reduce the incidents of vandalism. The committee concept received endorsement at a public hearing attended by about 30 people, Tuesday. The majority of those who spoke at the hearing were opposed to the development of a curfew, but favored the formation of a committee to make recommendations. Those recommendations, however, may include a curfew. The structure of the committee is expected to be developed at the selectmen's Dec. 18 board meeting. Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact the town office no later than Dec. 24. Residents at the public hearing who indicated an interest in serving will automatically be entered onto the list of candidates. If the committee recommends changes that result in an ordinance, that ordinance would be presented at public hearings and at the annual town meeting for adoption. A curfew was first suggested by Wendy Gordon, the owner of a local pub, who said she often saw youngsters late at night mingling on the streets with young adults. The idea was not suggested as a way to punish local youths but was viewed by her as a way to reduce crime, she said Tuesday. "I'm not saying a curfew is the answer, but we as a community could use some guidance," Gordon added. A curfew is the answer for Charlie Runnels of Abbot, who serves on the Greenville Police Department. "I think it's a good idea," he said, noting that was his personal opinion. A curfew is a tool for the police department that allows officers to make probable cause stops, he said. He said the vast majority of youngsters out at night are not troublemakers. "If it's only a few kids, then you are making all the kids pay; to me it's just another form of control," one resident said, at the hearing. Greenville Police Chief Duane Alexander said the "jury is still out for me" regarding a curfew. "I'm not quite sure it's the answer." But he admitted there is a problem. "Sometimes on summer nights, we're chasing our tails," the chief said. And that is evident in court, according to Piscataquis County Victim Witness Coordinator Donna Runnels, wife of Charles Runnels. As a participant in court each Monday, Donna Runnels said she could vouch for the fact that there are more serious cases of vandalism and burglary in Greenville involving thousands of dollars worth of damage than in any other community in Piscataquis County. Others noted that not all the vandalism and burglaries are conducted by juveniles and a curfew would not stop these individuals. "I came in here biased; I'm not in favor of a curfew," Paul Breton said, Tuesday. "I think there are other ways to deal with this." Alexander said residents could help address the issue by calling when they observe suspicious activity. "Talk to us," he told the public. He said residents should be concerned enough to help because it's their property taxes that are affected by the vandalism. "Just being willing to call us is a big step in the right direction," he said. |