Editor:
A question on the evening news… Should parents be financially responsible for vandalized damages caused by their kids?
While this discussion has come up many times in the past, I’m surprised that anyone found guilty and charged with a crime – regardless of who they are – is not held financially responsible for all damages caused by their actions, including police cost, court cost, room and board while detained, etc.
Why should we as victims suffer the damage, inconvenience, aggravation and the expense of repairs, along with higher insurance rates or higher tax rates while the individuals creating this damage walk free ?
Now, you may be thinking, these vandals or criminals don’t have the money to pay for anything, much less added fines, which will just lead to further crime.
A workable solution might be a “forgiveness program” – administered kind of like a student-loan but better.
For example, let’s say an individual has created a $40,000 damages tab; that tab stays with this individual until certain conditions are met:
1. They pay it off in full, over time.
2. We forgive 33 per cent for each year they stay clean, provided there are no further incidents.
3. After three years, they’re completely free and clear. However, if at any time they step out-of-line, the previously forgiven amount is added back on, along with all cost associated with the new charges.
Each year, all cities and municipalities struggle to balance budgets and financial demands. Isn’t it time we transfer the cost for this type of behaviour to the parties involved? Or better yet, we forgive them for good behaviour?
If these individuals stay clean for a year, odds are good they’ll stay clean for the entire three years. If they make it to the three-year forgiveness period, they’ve likely changed their ways and are now on the road to becoming good, responsible citizens.
That’s the intent, anyway.
Joe Klampfer, Surrey
