Residents divided over extending curfew

Violence is gonna happen regardless curfew or not,” says Julie Moronta. 16-year old Monronta and 12-year old Shantel Sumler say the Rochester’s curfew is unfair to young people. “We have rights too. We shouldnt be locked up in the house when theres family get-togethers we gotta go home? Thats stupid!” said Moronta. “Its not fair for the kids because the grown ups get to stay out and the grown ups are the one’s thats doing stuff to the young people,” added Sumler. This week Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy announced he’s like to see the curfew extended another year. "Were seeing some great signs, and the curfew was never put forth as the answer to our problems. Its a tool," said Duffy. Mayor Duffy says before the curfew, about 33 kids were arrested each month after the curfew that number dropped to 13. Reverend C.J. Rolle and Deacon Dujuane Spencer both support extending the curfew. “Theres enough crime on the street in the city and I believe if they would continue with the curfew that we would see a lot more kids off the street and less crime,” said Rolle. “Personally, I think it should be a little earlier than eleven o clock but we have to start somewhere and I figure eleven o’clock is a good place to start and then from there who knows?” added Spencer. The Rochester City Council must approve any extension of the curfew program.