Gary officials have created the first rules for people soliciting on public streets.
The Common Council on Sept. 19 voted 6-2 in favor of a measure that establishes conditions under which people can legally sell products on street corners.
The ordinance sponsored by Councilwoman Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5th, provides that solicitors:
* be at least 10 years old,
* wear special vests or reflective tape to enhance their visibility to passing motorists,
* have one adult supervising every five children who are soliciting products,
* work from sidewalks, meaning they would have access to people on the passenger side of passing automobiles,
* pay a $5 monthly permit fee.
Council President Ronald Brewer said he was pleased such an ordinance was enacted.
“Right now, there is nothing on the books about this,” he said. “Anybody can be out there doing anything.”
Councilman Herb Smith, D-at large, agreed, saying he thinks it will make conditions safer for young people who might be selling products to raise money for their activities.
“If we don’t act on this, then we’ve done nothing to help make things safer for our children,” he said.
Voting against the measure were Councilwomen Carolyn Rogers, D-4th, and LaVetta Sparks-Wade, D-6th, with Rogers saying she does not like the idea of children being used for solicitations.
“I have a problem with children begging for money,” Rogers said. “We have young girls out on the street begging for money. I can’t get past that.”
But Councilman Mike Protho, D-2nd, a retired high school athletic coach, said local sports programs rely on such solicitations.
“I’m glad I’m through coaching, I had to raise thousands of dollars over the years,” he said.
Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd, said it was unfortunate that Gary can’t count on local businesses, like in surrounding communities, to donate money to cover such costs.
“They can get businesses to buy uniforms. We just don’t have that,” she said.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
