Oswego passes law prohibiting sex offenders from driving taxis

9-25-2012 New York:

Amy Warner is a mom who says she'll sleep easier after the city of Oswego voted unanmiously to pass a law which prohibits sex offenders from driving taxi cabs.

"Having young kids who aren't always making the best choices, I don't think it's a good idea putting them in any unnecessary danger," says Warner.

Prior to the vote, Jeremy Zielisnki called the law a form of discrimination.

"If a person is going to be denied employment it should be based on a rational decision and factual information. It shouldn't be based on fear and prejudice and myths," says Zielinski.

Zielinski formed the Work Force Advocacy Center which fights for the rights of convicted felons. It's a cause that hits close to home for him, after serving time for a sex related crime.

"I do have a personal criminal history. When I got out of prison, I realized there was an enormous amount of discrimination and it was difficult to reintegrate into society when I got out," says Zielinski.

This controversial topic has parents like Becky Harriott concerned. She says there are other jobs out there for people with criminal pasts.

"There are other jobs they can do. Than something dealing with the public because you do have children that get into cabs," says Harriott.

"It's kids and you're taking a chance you can't take. And there's got to be jobs that you're not so much immersed in the public in that way," says Warner.

Zielinksi says the fight is far from over and he'll file a lawsuit.

"We will seek to forbid the city from enforcing it. And we will seek the maximum amount of penalties and attorneys fees," says Zielinski.

The Lake City Taxi Company says it will now have to put several drivers out of work. ..Source.. by Dora Scheidell