By Jane Palen

Our governor has been getting a little beaten up on the editorial page lately, and we certainly donít want people thinking that we are against the governor no matter what he says or does.

On the contrary, we are impressed with the governorís proposal for dealing wit convicted sex offenders. Although he has stated that he favors the death penalty, heís choosing his battles wisely and advocating instead a plan that most people can agree with: life sentences for sex offenders whose crimes include at least one other element, such as torture; and indeterminate sentencing for certain sex offenders.

The proposal calls for 850 more prison beds and increased supervision and tracking of sex offenders. The recommendations for the changes came from a 12-member panel that studied Minnesotaís current practices in dealing with sex offenders.

Although the treatment of sex offenders has always been important to the people of Minnesota, the need to strengthen existing laws became apparent when a young college student, Dru Sjodin, was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered by a sex offender who had been released from prison.

Under indeterminate sentencing, sex offenders would stay in jail unless they meet certain conditions; they would not be released simply because their time is up. This aspect of the proposal addresses on of the most troubling aspects of the current systemñ criminals are sentenced before anyone has had an opportunity to determine if they can be successfully treated.

In addition, Pawlentyís plan adds more hearing officers to get sex offenders off the streets faster, and it provides more beds for civil commitments. And, it provides more protection for those who have contact with sex offenders in a health-care setting. Law enforcement officials must inform medical facilities if a patient being treated is a registered sex offender or is an offender who is under supervision. Convicted sex offenders who donít disclose their status when seeking health care face felony-level penalties.

There are many aspects to the plan, which is why it seems to be a good plan. It strengthens penalties for all levels of sex offenders, provides for longer jail time and more supervision and uses technology such as GPS to track sex offenders. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are saying good things about the Pawlenty plan. If there was ever an issue that needed bipartisan support, this is it. Stronger penalties for sex offenders is something we can all agree on.

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