Following the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, the Chandler City Council this week introduced two ordinances in response to teen violence in the East Valley.
One ordinance increases penalties for unruly gatherings involving minors – including for property owners or tenants of places where those gatherings occur, even if the owner or tenant was not personally in attendance.
Preston Lord’s father, Nick Lord, addressed the City Council.
“It is imperative that we not only penalize irresponsible behaviors but also promote a culture of vigilance and responsibility among our youth and their families," Nick Lord said.
The council also introduced a second ordinance that bans the possession of brass knuckles by anyone under the age of 18.
Mayor Kevin Hartke says he hopes the steps taken by Chandler go beyond the city boundaries.
“I have aspirations and hopes that the actions that we are taking tonight will resonate with our surrounding cities and potentially with our state to make sure that this vote in Chandler goes much further than Chandler.”
A formal vote on the ordinances is expected in a matter of weeks. If passed, they could take effect as early as June.
