LEWISTON – The city will ask legislators to toughen rules on where convicted sex offenders can live, city councilors agreed Tuesday.

Councilor Bob Reed said he had been approached by downtown residents concerned that convicted sex offenders were moving into the community.

“These are families, or operators of day-care centers,” Reed said. “But basically, now, our hands are tied.”

Reed said he favored having the city adopt a bubble around schools, day-care centers and Head Start programs. Convicted sex offenders would not be allowed to move into those areas.

But his colleagues suggested asking the state to adopt tougher rules.

“Sexual offenders are not just a problem here, but all over the state,” Councilor Tina Bailey said. “If we talk to our state representatives and get them to propose something, maybe it can get broader support from other cities.”

Reed said he was skeptical.

“I’m concerned about asking the Legislature, because I don’t think they’ll do anything,” Reed said.

Councilor Denis Theriault also said he favored asking legislators to step up.

“We need to see what the state can do,” Theriault said. “If they don’t do anything, I’m right there with you, Bob. Then we need to tackle the problem ourselves.”

City Administrator James Bennett said he would draft a letter to state legislators asking for tougher sex-offender residency rules.