NEWSROOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristin Lord, 914-619-5252

ASTORINO, SCHORR URGE GOVERNOR TO MOVE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEX PREDATORS

Mount Kisco, NY-June 27...Convicted sex predators are living in Westchester County today, steps from where children congregate--on playgrounds, at schools, and in libraries--because a popular bill in Albany to prevent them from doing so cannot get onto the floor of the State Assembly and Senate for a vote, Westchester County District Attorney candidate Dan Schorr (R) and Westchester County Executive candidate Rob Astorino (R-I) today said.

Mr. Astorino and Schorr called on Governor David Paterson to add the bill, which would prevent convicted sex predators from living within 1,000 feet of a playground, library or school, to a list of legislation he is expected to present to the State Legislature for consideration this summer in an emergency special legislative session. Mr. Astorino, a former County Legislator, and Mr. Schorr, a former Assistant District Attorney in Westchester and New York City, said the legislation would pass with "overwhelming bi-partisan support" if it was voted on today.

Mr. Schorr and Mr. Astorino made their call in Mount Kisco, where two convicted Level 2 sex offenders live near playgrounds. There are three categories of sex offenders: Level 1 (low risk of repeat offense); Level 2 (moderate risk of repeat offense), and Level 3 (high risk of repeat offense.) A complete list of sex predators in New York is available to the public at: http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/

"As a long-time prosecutor I'm sorry to say that this is not an unusual occurrence," Mr. Schorr said. "Sex predators often move near places where children gather. I urge Governor Paterson in the strongest possible terms to insist on a vote this summer to keep this from happening. These are scenarios that too often end in tragedy."

"Child molesters shouldn't be living near children," Mr. Astorino said. "This is so patently obvious that it defies belief that it's still allowed to happen. This legislation would pass in the blink of an eye if it was put on the floor in the Senate and Assembly, yet it continues to languish in committee. Governor Paterson has an opportunity to strike a great victory for common sense and child safety this summer by demanding a vote on this bill."

Mr. Astorino and Mr. Schorr said that as County Executive and District Attorney, respectively, they would explore legal avenues to prohibit sex predators from living near playgrounds, schools, and libraries in Westchester County if the State Legislature refuses to act.