PRESS RELEASE – May 9, 2008

Contact: Mark Laliberte (mlaliberte@manchesternh.gov) (603) 624-6500

Mayor Frank Guinta announces study committee to examine sex offender laws in Manchester

MANCHESTER (May 9, 2008) – Today, Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta formed a study committee to examine the city’s sexual predator ordinances in order to strengthen the laws that protect residents. This is in response to previous efforts by citizens to get such laws passed in Manchester.

“As is obvious by the response to the news that a convicted murderer and registered sex offender has moved into an apartment near schools and parks, it is time that the city seriously review its laws to see if we are doing all that we can,” Guinta said. “While I am convinced that the Manchester Police Department and is doing a great job communicating to the public about this individual, we seriously need to investigate how we can make these laws more stringent.”

The committee will consist of five members, three of which have been named today. Former state representative Leo Pepino, deputy director of the Manchester Health Department Anna Thomas, and Sgt. Scott Fuller of the Manchester Police Department have been selected to serve on this committee. Two more names will be announced early next week. The committee will meet within the next two weeks and hopes to have a recommendation by the end of August.