The city of Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen decided to postpone the first reading on Ordinance 2021-29 which would create a “Do Not Solicit Registry” for Hendersonville.
At the beginning of the meeting on Tuesday, Alderman Pat Campbell (Ward 2) announced that, as the sponsor, he was “withdrawing Ordinance 2021-29 for consideration at this time.” The legislation was also withdrawn a month earlier at the August 10th meeting.
Alderman Campbell cited “receiving complaints from citizens regarding unwanted contact by peddlers and solicitors going door to door” for his initial creation of the ordinance.
The ordinance would serve as an amendment to the Hendersonville Municipal Code, Title 9, Chapter 1, by adding a new section that would create a “Do Not Solicit Registry” for residents who do not want solicitors coming on to their property for soliciting.
If the ordinance passes at a future date, some individuals will still be legally allowed to go door-to-door such as politicians, religious groups and children.
Similar to the “do not call” list, this “do not knock” measure would allow any property owner or tenant of a leased property to add or remove their residence to or from the list at any time by calling or visiting the city’s recorder’s office, emailing the city, or checking the appropriate box on their city property tax notice.
If passed, solicitors who violate the legislation would be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $50 while permit holders who violate the law would have their permit revoked for one year.
The next board of mayor and alderman meeting is scheduled for October 12th where the ordinance will be considered once more.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Woman Opening Door” by Surrey County Council News CC BY-ND 2.0.
A better solution would be to totally end door-to-door solicitors. There are so many alternatives to this irritating practice that it is no longer proper.
The city that gave us Taylor Swift (God help us) obviously has too much time on their hands. You’d think there would be bigger fish to fry due to the current political climate and illegal government overreach.
So what happens when these solicitors identify as a ‘church group’?
“Hi, we’re from Victory Baptist church and noticed your gutters needed replacing….”
“Get off my lawn. NOW!”