‘Do-not-knock’ bill finds North Shore hospitable
Salem News
Sandy Karcher did not get her wish for a town bylaw to keep door-to-door salesmen at bay in Boxford last month.
But state lawmakers came a-knockin’ yesterday with a “do not knock” bill of their own.
The bill, similar to the “do-not-call” lists that have thwarted telemarketers, aims to protect the elderly and others from scam artists and sexual predators. Residents who don’t want to be bothered by peddlers pitching everything from magazines to home makeovers could sign up with their local police departments. Before they could knock on your door, solicitors would have to register with police and obtain a list of addresses where they’re not welcome. Violators would be fined up to $5,000.
Nonprofits, religious organizations and other noncommercial activity, such as Girl Scouts selling cookies, would be exempt.
“It’s nice that it’s being addressed at a higher level,” said Karcher, who filed a citizens’ petition at Boxford Town Meeting last month to create a similar list in her town. Voters took no action on the measure.
In an informal door-to-door survey this week, some Beverly residents liked the idea but said they don’t get that many sales calls.
“I’m all for it, 100 percent,” said Pete Skerry of 4 College Lane. “There are just too many intrusions now in life.”
“I think it would be a great idea,” said Jessica Anketell, mowing her lawn at 6 Presidential Circle. “They always seem to knock on your door when you are at dinner. They don’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer.”
Annette Athanasopoulos of 12 Presidential Circle said most intrusions these days are from those who would not have to sign up.
“There are kids that solicit for schools and there are Jehovah’s Witnesses who come around … on rainy days,” she said.
Karcher said an “unpleasant situation” with a solicitor who refused to leave when “politely” asked prompted her to look into the creation of a “do-not-solicit” list in Boxford.
Last month, Boxford residents were concerned about how the list might be administered. Some feared it would make the town appear too exclusive, while others wondered if it might deter the Scouts.
The state bill is sponsored by Rep. Barbara L’Italien, D-Andover (one of Boxford’s representatives), Rep. Cleon Turner, D-Yarmouth, and Sen. Michael Morrisey, D-Quincy. Because it was filed late in the legislative session, it likely won’t be taken up until the fall.
Senate Minority Leader Brad Jones Jr., R-North Reading, has his doubts.
“Are they (criminals) only going to attack those people who are not registered?” he asked.
Jones wondered if the bill would stretch police resources. The bill calls for a $50 registration fee to offset costs.
“I think it would be an extra burden for us, and it would be hard to keep up,” said Beverly police Chief John Cassola.
The department already keeps tabs on those selling around the city, and police conduct background checks on solicitors.
But Cassola, who wanted to read the bill before passing judgment, said he liked the idea.
“I would sign up,” he said, though he does not get a lot of knocks at his door.
State Rep. Brad Hill, R-Ipswich, who helped draft the do-not-solicit warrant article in Boxford, said such a law could deter crime.
“We live in a world that is very nasty right now, and this bill may be a tool that we can use,” he said.
State Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers, a co-sponsor of the state’s do-not-call list, said he liked the notion of protecting seniors, but he had some reservations.
“You don’t want to overly restrict just communication and access,” Speliotis said. “You don’t want to be a police state. You don’t want to ban the right to door-knock.”
He pointed out that the bill would allow politicians their time-honored tradition of campaigning door to door.
“There’s no one who knows more about knocking on doors,” Speliotis said. “I’ve been doing it all my adult life.”
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
