Furniture risk

I'm not one to oppose local laws designed to keep people safe. I do oppose laws that creep into our homes through side doors. I agree that upholstered furniture should not be outside ("Mayor to Sign Ban on Porch Couches," March 18). I would not keep such a thing outside simply due to nesting animals, mold and mildew. However, a law that tells me what furniture I can and cannot keep on my porch greatly disturbs me and can be interpreted differently.

I propose if a homeowner wants to keep that type of furniture on his porch, he should accept responsibility for any crimes committed with that furniture. If it is that important to the homeowner, he or she can bolt the furniture or secure it (cheaper than buying new outdoor furniture in this economy). Should such furniture be used in a purpose other than what it was designed for, a fine beginning at $500 with a cap of $10,000 to pay for any damages and city cost would be imposed.

I feel this would make citizens take steps to secure their property while not imposing a law that tells them what type of furniture they can have on their porches.

 

K.A. SHAW
Mt. Lebanon