Any legal or Civic minded people - I would love some advice.

amymom wrote: Here is the situation:

I live in a small village (about 950 people). The village is inside a town of about maybe, 1500 to 2000 people. My son is a skate boarder. He and his friends have built some boxes, rails and various equipment that they were using on my driveway. (about 100 feet long). Ok, but not perfect. Back in June, the community (not the goverment) held a block party and long story short invited the kids to demo their skills which they did. My DH discussed with one of the village trustees a place for them to skateboard. They gave them an empty parking lot to put their equipment.

Back in 1984 a law was enacted that basically banned recreational vehicles from public places. Then in 2001 they ammended that law to include as recreational vehicle's 'equipment such as skteboards, scooters and like equipment" Now the village's powers that be---- have said they will be enforcing this law and that the Sheriff's office will be contacted, the kids will receive summons and could enforce a fine of "not more than two hundred and fifty dollars" They want to limit the kids to skateboarding in this small area that they gave them. They do not want them to use their skateboards to get to this park. So that would mean they would need to walk and carry their boards.

In 2001 they added the skateboards to the law because they said the skateboarders were causing problems. They now want to enforce a law they have not enforced recently. Is there some loophole, that if they don't enforce the law than it can't be. IS there a way the kids can fight it. I am looking for some way to give these good kids the opportunity to learn something and continue to be able to skateboard on the streets. I have tons more info on this. But it is mostly background.... if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks.

redchief replied: No, they can enforce an old law if they want to. I'd be more inclined to work with city hall in getting the law repealed (or at least the section regarding skateboards). Most cities and towns across the country are reversing their previous stands on the banning of skateboards since an argument can be made that singling out skate boards is unreasonable and wrong given that in-line skating, bicycles and Hacky-Sacks, Frizbees pose similar social problems in giving kids something to do in public (heaven forbid). Many cities and towns are doing much the same as yours initially did - give the kids a place to practice their skills and develop their talents that isn't in the streets and on private property.

Here, the parents and the kids got together and went to a council meeting. In a town of two or three thousand, I'd bet 24 or 30 parents and kids in the town meeting hall, all with the same goal, will be heard. Keep us posted on your progress!

amymom replied: Thanks Ed! You always have a great way of putting things. I am going to steal your line about hacky sacks etc.

I am making a request to change the law. The boys did go to the June meeting and were acknowledged for attending. At the meeting were the 4 Village trustees, the Mayor, the newspaper reporter, the chair of the Chamber of commerce, and about 3 village employees. Two skateboarders went to the meeting and there were approximately 7-10 outside the Municipal Meeting. They respectfully did not want to overwhelm the meeting. It was at this meeting that the village told them they could use this space.

Many people who heard that the boys went to the meeting, were impressed and came to me and said they thought it was wonderful that the kids did that. Nothing but good things came out of this meeting. Then at the July 2nd board meeting, one of the trustees said that Now that is an out and out lie. First, if they received complaints, why aren't I as a parent notified, and the kids requested the space, they were given it and yes they still skateboard to the park.

Sorry this got very long. Anyway, there will be a presence at the August meeting, and my letter to the editor of the paper is ready. My daughter's article she wrote for the Village Quarterly newsletter is ready to go to them. And tomorrow I am off to see the Mayor.

Sam & Abby's Mom replied: Sorry - no legal advice here but wanted to wish you luck. Keep fighting the good fight

redchief replied:
Anne Marie, this is why your kids (and the kids of the town) need you and other like-minded parents to pick up this fight for them. Kids have no vote, and are therefore safe to bully, that is, until their voting parents take up the cause. Elected officials don't understand the subtleties of not "overwhelming" a meeting room. They react to their potential, or lack of same, to be reelected in the next election. Often these people, especially those who have been there for some time, need to be reminded that they exist in their offices due to the votes of the people they represent.

Regarding the village trustee who skates every day, I strongly suggest a photograph be brought to the next meeting as proof that at least one of them is, daily, breaking the very law they intend to enforce. This may sound like bully tactics, but aren't the town fathers doing the same thing in dredging up this old law, and in telling the kids one thing and doing another apparently behind closed doors?

I would bring the article with you and request that the minutes from that meeting be read back, since you don't believe the article is accurate in it's representation of the events of the last meeting. Keep your anger as justified. Let the trustees know that you intend to continue to lobby for a safe place for your kids to play until you're satisfied. Finally, I know that sometimes this can seem exhausting, but follow through on the promise by following up in the mayor's office. The old adage that the squeaky wheel gets the grease is no better exemplified than in municipal politics. Good luck to you and your children!

amymom replied: Thanks Ed! I will update as we go along.

redchief replied:
Post the pix of the trustee-on-skates. Then you can tell them his pic is on the internet.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Why can't people use a skateboard as trnasportation? I mean - I could understand if it was ONLY for fooling around...but they're using them as they would a bike, to go to a place specifically designed for skateboarding.

Come ON. This isn't a cow on a leash.

redchief replied:
Skateboards are the devil, don't you all know that?

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Well if they crack down on kids riding their motorcycles, you could assume they're also going to crack down on little old ladies riding their carts.

TheOaf66 replied: don't forget we are going to have to start whaling on those kids with the shoes with the wheels with bats...such a nuisance

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Seroiusly. Especially in places where there's a sign that specifically says no rollerblades.

redchief replied:
Piston poppin' mommas on Rascals MUST be STOPPED!