OIL CITY, PA. Council votes in favor of curfew

Parents could face fines up to $100 and possible jail sentences.
OIL CITY, Pa. (AP) -- Despite opposition from parents and students, the city is moving ahead with a proposed daytime curfew to help police officers deal with truant children.
Oil City council members unanimously voted in favor of the curfew Monday, the second such endorsement before the ordinance goes up for a final vote Nov. 11.
The curfew would make it unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 to be in public areas or establishments between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days without a parent or legal guardian.
Opposed to curfew
Parent Eugenia Wolcott presented Mayor Malachy McMahon with a petition against the curfew that was signed by nearly 400 parents and 25 students. The petition asked Oil City officials to work with residents on handling problems with youth.
"There are other programs being used out there to deal with this besides daytime curfew," said Susan Hileman, an opponent of the curfew.
Hileman said the curfew would not only infringe on the rights of students and parents, but direct police resources to target young people simply because of their age.
Another parent questioned the effectiveness of the curfew.
"If they can go out and commit a felony, do you think a fine of $5 is going to stop them?" Brenda O'Brien said.
Under the proposal, parents who permit their children to violate the rule after receiving notices of prior violations could be fined up to $100. Prison time also could be an option if fines and costs are not paid within 10 days.
Police Chief Robert Wenner said the curfew could help officers deal with truancy faster.
"They have better things to do rather than baby-sitting these kids and taking them back to school," McMahon said.