I went to the informational meeting Thursday night as a resident of the block where Mr. Jabar Morarend will be moving in. To be honest, I was expecting the speakers to minimize the severity of this man’s actions and to essentially attempt to convince us that “it’s not that bad.”

While I feel there was some of that, there were a number of good things as well, such as when Chief Dwaine Winkels candidly admitted that he would not be comfortable with his family being alone living next to this man, or that he is not encouraging anyone to get to know him out of a concern for safety. By and large, the panel was reasonably open with what information they had about this man’s past and his history.

Detective Frank Cole was also helpful in a conversation after the meeting with our neighbors where he pointed out that this man’s sexual crime was more likely a crime of opportunity due to being under the influence than something that was planned. He also noted that this man’s family will be submitting to many of the same restrictions that he will be, such as not having Internet or alcohol in the house.

He and Chief Winkels also gave some very important advice. This man’s crimes have generally been associated with burglary. If he takes crimes of opportunity, don’t allow opportunities. While I am no more in favor of my new neighbor than before, I am definitely glad to have attended the meeting, and I think that Chief Winkels and the others on the panel should at least be given their due in that they handled most of the questions very well, and gave some good information. I’m sure many will disagree, but let’s not all be negative.

Steve Patten

Albert Lea