By Sal DiCiccio

Phoenix City Councilman, District 6

    My first month after being appointed to the District 6 councilman has been a dÈj‡ vu experience. I’m working in the very same office and for the same reasons—to serve you—the residents of my district. But my concern for residents’ well-being and improved public safety isn’t limited to just District 6. I want to make Phoenix a safer place for all.

    Our city has been having issues with solicitors, especially large groups from out-of-state, whom are canvassing homes. Many residents and public safety officials have become concerned that solicitation may be linked to burglary, which is becoming a problem in certain parts of the city.

 

Currently, Phoenix does not have a solicitation ordinance, unlike neighboring cities, such as Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. This means there is no regulation in the city on solicitation activity, including the hours that solicitors can knock on doors. Even “no solicitation” signs posted outside of homes are unenforceable by police, although they may discourage solicitation activity. These are among a host of issues that a solicitation ordinance can address.

    I’ve asked my office, along with city staff, to assemble a task force of neighborhood leaders, members of faith-based groups, school districts and key stakeholders to study ordinances that other cities have in place against solicitation. The task force also will be charged with providing feedback and recommendations to the Public Safety & Veterans Subcommittee and ultimately, to the Phoenix City Council. 

    “The ordinance will give Phoenix police leverage when dealing with the many calls they receive from concerned neighbors,” said Posey Moore Nash, an active resident. “This gives officers the opportunity to run a quick background check and determine if they have any outstanding warrants.”

    The ordinance could require groups to get a permit, which must be carried while walking door-to-door, before soliciting. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect homeowners and their possessions from possible burglary. But it is not my goal to adversely impact legitimate businesses and organizations that use canvassing as a way to get their message out to the community and generate awareness about issues.

    As I pledged from the beginning, I will work side-by-side with neighborhoods and fight for improved public safety measures to protect our communities. I want to hear from you and get your feedback on this proposed ordinance.  Please contact me with your thoughts. By working together, we can create solutions to sustain and enhance the quality of life for Phoenix residents.

Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio represents District 6, which includes North Central Phoenix. He can be reached at 602-262-7491 or council.district.6@phoenix.gov