YOUR INFORMATION NEWSLETTER FROM NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
PAUL G. BUESCHER
~ KEEPING NCT RESIDENTS INFORMED SINCE 2005 ~
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#480 MONDAY APRIL 17, 2017
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q >>> – Is soliciting included in free speech protection? Meaning, controlling it is one thing, but banning it another. Controlling it through a request process would not run afoul of the first amendment, but banning it would. Would hate an expensive legal battle regarding. Curious.
A >>> – There are many forms of soliciting, some are protected under the First Amendment and some are not. Commercial soliciting where strangers trespass on private property to promote a commercial business is NOT protected under the First Amendment. Some activities that ARE protected include religious groups, school fund raisers, other non-profit groups and some political activities.
Q >>> – Regarding door to door solicitors, I understand the knee-jerk reaction of most including myself is to ban, but I would be hesitant to support creating laws that infringe on the ability of an honest salesman to make a living.
A >>> – I fully understand where you are coming from but you should know that this is NOT a “knee-jerk reaction” to the recent utility impostors. We first began studying this earlier this year when Sagamore Hills passed a similar resolution. Over the years we’ve had numerous complaints about solicitors and we even found that some had serious criminal records and even active warrants for their arrest! Let’s face it, we are constantly bombarded with sales pitches on TV, radio, the mail, newspapers, signs and on our phones. You name it, someone is always trying to sell us something. And now we have a chance to stop these people from ‘invading’ one of the last vestiges of privacy we have – OUR HOMES!
YOUR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED SOLICITOR BAN
I would support a solicitor ban.
100% in favor of banning solicitors.
I agree with the man who thanked you and the other trutees for your hard work. I am writing in response to your question about a resolution to ban door to door sales people and I fully endorse that decision. I hate to have someone at my door that I didn’t incvite trying to convince me to buy something, endorse something or donate to something. Also, as we know many of our senior citizens are prime targets of scams or high pressure sales tactics and I feel such a resolution would go far to help protect them.Please, please, please pass that resolution.
For the resolution
Please count me as a vote for BANNING solicitors. I want as few people as possible at my door…especially not knowing if they’re friend or foe.
My preference would be to ban commercial door-to-door solicitors, but the wording will need to be carefully done to carve out exceptions for both the 1A protected activities you mention as well as nonprofit groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
I would be for ban.
Our household would be for the resolution to ban solicitors. We appreciate all you do for us! Happy Easter to you and your family!
Yes on the resolution to ban solicitors ty.
Banning solicitors is fine by me, my husband and daughter. (Though I imagine most scammers aren’t going to check the regulations first, at least there will be mechanism for law enforcement).
I would be in favor of not allowing business solicitors in the township, or others not covered by the 1st. I’m guessing the schools are covered by the 1st, as they need to do all they can to raise funds.
I am for banning all solicitors in our township.
I would be in favor of banning solicitors in Northfield Center.
Would a ban affect Girl Scouts from selling cookies or Middle and HS students from promoting band or booster clubs? As for banning solicitors from NCT, I certainly wouldn’t want to begrudge anyone from making an honest living. As long as they have applied for a permit at the Town Hall and are properly vetted, I have no problems with ‘authorized’ solicitors. I also like the fact that Sam publicizes their authorization on the Township website and also on the Town Square digital sign . . . so, based on all the above, I would be against the resolution.
You sure can ban all solicitors from the township.. Thanks for all you do..
I would like there to be a ban on solicitors in our area. I would feel safer and not have to answer the door. I normally don’t answer the door if I see it’s someone I don’t know. There are too many dishonest people eager to scam honest people. Thanks for all the news updates.
We are both for the resolution to prohibit solicitation.
I am definitely for banning solicitation in NC.
We do not feel that all solicitation should be banned. People need to talk to one another – a ban would be another way to stop people from talking to one another.
I would be for the ban.
I would be for a resolution to ban solicitors.
My husband and I are in favor of a ban against door to door solicitors. Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter, and thank you for your good work.
I would not recommend banning Solicitors from Northfield Ctr. Permits should always be required. It would be very hard to enforce this type of ban.
Paul, regarding your notice in your current newsletter about Soliciting, I am very much in favor of this resolution. Thanks again for keeping all of us informed and secure in our own homes.
I would prefer that there be no solicitation in my neighborhood.
I’m against the solicitor ban. As much as solicitors can be a nuisance, there are so few that actually get the permits that its not a problem.. The vetting process really limits the solicitors and still lets people pursue the american dream. Truly its the religious and social issue canvassers that are the biggest problem. There’s nothing that can be done for that. However, anyone can put a “no solicitor/ canvasser” sign on their door, meaning anyone that bangs on the door for that purpose is trespassing. You guys have plenty of other things to do. No need for new laws.
I am for the resolution to ban solicitors from Northfield Center. Thanks for all your hard work and for your informative newsletters.
I am voting to not allow any solicitors please.
I would agree with banning solicitors in Northfield Center. Safety First.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION:
NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP
A RESOLUTION TO LIMIT SOLICITATION BY TRANSIENT VENDORS
WITHIN NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP
RESOLUTION introduced by Paul G. Buescher
WHEREAS, the Northfield Center Township Board of Trustees seeks to prevent crime, fraud, and harassment of the citizens of Northfield Center Township and to protect the privacy of the residents of Northfield Center Township;
WHEREAS, the Ohio Revised Code § 505.94 authorizes the Northfield Center Township Board of Trustees to prohibit transient vendors from selling, offering for sale, or soliciting orders for future delivery of goods or attempting to arrange an appointment for a future estimate or sales call;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Northfield Center Township, Summit County, Ohio that no transient vendor shall sell, offer for sale, or solicit orders for future delivery of goods within Northfield Center Township. This resolution shall not apply to any person invited by an owner or tenant to visit the owner’s or tenant’s premises to sell, offer for sale, or solicit orders for future delivery of goods. Whosoever violates this resolution is guilty of a minor misdemeanor under Ohio R.C. 505.99.
“Transient vendor” means any person who opens a temporary place of business for the sale of goods or who, on the streets or while traveling about the township, sells or offers for sale goods, or solicits orders for future delivery of goods where payment is required prior to the delivery of the goods, or attempts to arrange an appointment for a future estimate or sales call. “Transient vendor” does not include any person who represents any entity exempted from taxation under § 5709.04 of the Ohio Revised Code, that notifies the board of township trustees that its representatives are present in the township for the purpose of selling or offering for sale goods, or soliciting orders for future delivery of goods, or attempting to arrange an appointment for a future estimate or sales call, and does not include a person licensed under Chapter 4707 of the Ohio Revised Code.
“Goods” does not include noncommercial literature expressing religious or political views.
A certified copy of this resolution shall be filed with the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.
YOUR GENERAL COMMENTS
I read your e mail this morning about the subject of leaves in ditches. The house on the corner of N Oakmont has leaves in their ditches since last spring, at times the water has backed up.
Thanks for all your informative information.
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Yes, kudos for the whole branch chipping effort. Good work and very much appreciated!
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I loved the stick and branch pick up recently provided and wonder if this could be done each spring. I feel it would help people keep their property looking more attractive…a wonderful service to our lovely community!
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Thank you,
Paul G. Buescher
Northfield Center Twp. Trustee – Chairman
330-467-9451
This newsletter was produced through my 5-kilowatt SOLAR power system!
