Illegal Graffiti
Councilman wants to keep spray paint in the right hands


The problem of graffiti can be seen on walls and signs all over the city, so an Omaha city councilman wants to restrict the sale of spray paint to minors.

"It's not just southeast in my district, but all over, including west Omaha," said Garry Gernandt, Omaha city councilman.

Monday night, Channel Six cameras found graffiti in areas ranging from south of downtown at 13th and Vinton, to the Stoneybrook subdivision at 144th and Drexel.

Just last week, a brazen vandal actually climbed up an interstate sign on I-80 to deface an exit arrow at "L" street.

"They have no respect for people's property when they do this," said Gernandt. "We need strong ordinance on the books.

Gernandt wants to make it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy graffiti materials, like spray paint.

He tried to pass a city law last year, forcing retailers to keep spray paint cans behind the counter. But his effort failed.

"The ordinance had a big responsibility for business owners," said Gernandt. "Now, posted no minors and must be in well-defined area."

Roger Anderson, a parent of two teenagers, said the city should do a better job of prioritizing.

"Are police going to do stings," Anderson asked. "How far do you take it?"

Gernandt's proposal would also require community service for convicted vandals.

So, there is a chance criminals would have to clean up their own mess.

"I know you can't legislate it out of existence, but what we have before was not enough," Gernandt said.

If a business violates the law by selling the spray paint to a minor without a parent's permission, the business would face a fine.

The city council will listen to public input on the proposal tomorrow, and then a final vote would take place next week.