Parents of bullies, listen up. Monona now has a ‘parent liability’ ordinance on the books that will fine uncooperative parents $114. Police Chief Wally Ostrenga expects it will be used sparingly, if at all.
“If we never write someone a ticket that won’t be a surprise, said Ostrenga. “It’s basically an ordinance that encompasses several existing state statutes. It makes it easier for us to cite in municipal court, as opposed to going to the D.A.’s office for something like harassment.”
But he wants to send a message. Ostrenga said sometimes parents don’t want to talk to police because they think their child can do no wrong. The chief believes Monona is the first community in the state to have such an ordinance.
Robin Colbert, WIBA