Proposed ordinance in Racine dealing with sex offenders

RACINE (WITI) -- Alderwoman Molly Hall proposed an ordinance that limits where sex offenders can live. She says currently the city of Racine does not have what's know as "buffer zones."

"We are going to balance the rights of returning offenders against the rights of former victims and future community safety," said Hall. "We're still very much in the beginning... and I'd like to put Racine on equal footing with these other municipalities."

It's coming at a time when the state mistakenly placed convicted sex offender Michael Fink just blocks away from one of his victims.

"Legislation should be based upon good information, and solid facts and not upon fear," Rob Peterson, who is Fink's attorney. Peterson is against the ordinance, arguing it forces sex offenders like his client into being homeless, and says it would be nearly impossible for them to find a place within the city limits.

"To adapt ordinances that actually prohibit the reintegration in the community is contrary to any constitutional notice, no due process or liberty," said Peterson.

""If we continue on with legislation which says there's no place for these people to go who have been rehabilitated back to our communities I ask you the question, where are they to go," said Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz, who spoke about the ordinance during Fink's residency hearing on Thursday. "What are we to then do with those we have already rehabilitated who have paid their dues to society who have been rehabilitated who have been examined by specific experts in these areas, do we say to them as a people, we're going to lock you up and throw away the key for the rest of your life."

One of Fink's victims told FOX6 News she was satisfied with where Fink will be living because he's further away from her. In court Thursday, some residents said they supported having "buffer zones" to protect children and victims, but also because they fear they make strike again.