To the editor:

I am stunned and appalled that we, as a community, will have no way of knowing where Mr. Hendricks, the “notorious” child molester will be residing. We live in a community that regulated when and where people can smoke, for the love of Mike, due to health concerns that may be faced by people that chose to work in a smoking environment in the first place. And yet, we are going to concern ourselves with the PRIVACY of someone who has been convicted of perpetrating terrible crimes against children?

Not only is the rate of recidivism for molesters high, with no really proven effective treatment, but the therapy for victims is lifelong, with the effects of grooming and abuse coloring every facet of their lives from then on out. It seems to me that in a community so concerned with the health of those around them, this practice of residential anonymity for predators is unacceptable.

Our children are our greatest commodity, and as parents, we are responsible for seeing to their safety and development. If I was going to have this home, with Mr. Hendricks, and as many as three predators total, in my neighborhood, I would damn sure want to know about it. I get notice in the paper about fire ant infestations, diseases on trees and nuisance properties, but not this? Give me a break.

Angella Gregory,

Lawrence