I stated at the meeting that this law has to be a bit better. Ex- carnival manager of operation gets checked but the actual ride attendants don't. Ice cream manager gets checked but not the drivers.

If what Mr. Almeida states is true, this sounds like a waste of time and money. The managers of these enterprises are not going to be on my street, their employees will. Bring this law back to the drawing board.

Nelson: It depends on what you consider "better". If providing citizens with a false sense of security while smacking around a pretty insignificant number of businessmen and women "better", then you should sleep well.

Good, I hope the Health Department gives those trucks a looking at as well. You can't go for a mile around here without passing a convenience store, I can't believe ice cream trucks are still around with the price of gas. Parents are the last line of defense and most of the time it's someone they know. Be involved, ask questions, know where your kids are and teach them self defense. Stay safe!

This law is completely useless as is. I'm sure the owner of Paglis ice cream trucks doesn't drive his own trucks!!! The law should require that the owners of company's peddling their wares in Seekonk should show proof of their own background checks done on their employees before permitted to peddle. Who ever drafted this law, needs to go back to school

Since my daughter went to High School when Dr. Goyette was there, please don't tell me it's a waste of money to fingerprint anyone near our children. Where do you think these people prey? And, what better use of our money than to protect our kids from these animals?

I uploaded the article.

If you read the state law attached to the article it will explain why the ordinance is worded as certain way and what the restrictions are. I am surprised by the $100 fee, when the state keeps only $30. The article is also unclear because it mentions "in possession of", followed later by the license applicant only.

Where I have the biggest concern are the out of state book and magazine peddlers that make their way through our neighborhoods each year. I really do not want them knocking on my door at all, but if this process takes a step towards insuring persons with a criminal background in theft are not canvassing our homes door to door then I support the concept, but feel the fee should be more reasonable and business friendly.

I think the fee should be higher. Take the profit and put it in a fund to be used when the Town is inevitably sued for disseminating someones criminal record to the public.

Deb- if you read the statute the record is not disseminated to the public. It is reviewed by a designated and properly trained official (with policy developed from the law). Based on that policy the license is either granted or rejected. In RI this is commonplace, appointments were made at the local PD for livescan (fingerprinting without ink) as part of the prospective employment for day care, schools, and other functions. The cost is far less there.

to give up liberty, to government is a road to statist socialism and or serfdom. the taxpayers in this town need a schooling in our constitution real bad.

"Nucky," could you please point to the feature in the Constitution that gives somebody the right to a business license?

I opposed this measure at town meeting because of the scope of the bylaw is extreme. Not only were ice cream truck drivers and door to door peddlers targeted, so we're antique dealers, junkyards, and consignment shops. I suggested to the town meeting that the measure be voted down in order to slow down and observe to for certain lawsuits against this legislation. After that, I was indirectly accused of not wanting to protect children, and the police chief said shooting this down could result in an undererred crime. The fear mongering was actually shocking. I sure hope this law gets challenged in federal court as a violation of the first Amendment, because the court in the past has defined door to door solicitation as free speech. This law unfortunately will not protect people from predators. It will only expand the law enforcement establishment and raise revenue for the government.

Nelson Almeida , You lost in seekonk go back to East Providence.

Peter: Government has found the path of least resistance in Seekonk. It's our open town meeting. The fear mongering is shocking, for sure. But it is even more shocking to read some of the comments that say this law does not go far enough. To these people I say, be careful what you wish for. The government is very willing and able to accommodate your demands.
It is even more disturbing to know that those who should be standing between us and tyranny have become the tools of the trade, so to speak. I'm very disappointed in those of military background and those in law enforcement who support such incremental tactics.

Is it any wonder people "cling to their guns and religion"?

More needs to be done to keep our children safe and our families too, we cannot put our heads in the sand or just look the other way anymore, when out of state rs are making themselves known also in unimaginable ways! and Learning all YOU need for self defense may help YOU also! Blessings!

Shee G: When you write "blessings" what do you mean?

Blessings to all! In case anyone needs to understand this clearer!

Yes, keep your children safe from child predators. That means fingerprint their uncles, parents, and the people they know and trust- this is who preys on our children 95% of the time. The urban legend of the child predator being behind the bushes or *gasp* in an ice cream truck trying to make a 50 cent profit on a Chocotaco is perpetuated by the 24/7 media. Fingerprint away and waste everyone's time and money. It won't change the statistics.

Deb- It may not be against the law for someone to knock on my door. However, I don't appreciate anyone asking personal questions such as if I have cable or satellite? Or if there's someone living in my house who is under 18. I don't know this individual from anywhere. If you have a minor living in your home, would you want someone to ask you that question or better yet, asking you personal questions?

Chris: I don't think it is wise for anyone to answer a strangers personal questions, regardless if there is a minor in the home.

I also do not understand why a person selling kids books is welcome in your home while someone who is "selling" salvation would not be welcome.....at least as it pertains to safety.

Yeah, an ice cream truck is definitely the way to go when attempting to abduct children...Screw trying to be "inconspicuous".
A big truck, with blaring music, being driven in broad daylight, is the clearly the logical choice for this endeavor.

Thank god our loving government is here to protect us from these evil purveyors of frozen snacks.