By Stephen Stirling
The Star-Ledger
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — A debate over charitable solicitation that has polarized town leaders could threaten a longstanding holiday tradition held annually outside Bridgewater Commons.
For 12 years, the Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company has conducted its “Shake a Boot” fundraising drive, when firefighters stand outside the entrances to the mall and ask motorists to drop donations into boots.
“The only income we have is through fundraisers like this “xA6; it’s a tough job in this economy,” said Green Knoll Fire Company President Mickey Gannon. “We’re not asking the taxpayers for help, we just need a few days to do what we’ve been doing for the last 12 years.”
The event is held on the two days after Thanksgiving — two of the busiest shopping days of the year — and last year netted the fire company more than $12,000. But no town ordinance currently exists concerning the legality of roadside solicitation, something Bridgewater town attorney Alan Grant says needs to change according to state law.
Township leaders, however, are split.
By a vote of 3-2 on Monday, the council introduced an ordinance that would allow volunteer and nonprofit organizations, including fire companies, to solicit donations roadside if they receive a permit from the police department.
Two members of the council, Robert Albano and Matthew Moench, said though they support the firefighters’ service, ratifying such an ordinance would be bad public policy and could create a safety concern.
“I don’t think this is about the firefighters at all. I think it’s about good social policy,” Albano said. “I don’t see any reason to do this at all.”
Mayor Patricia Flannery, who has veto power over the council, said she is against the concept of approving an ordinance that would allow any group to solicit motorists.
“This is about opening township roads to soliciting cars,” Flannery said yesterday. “It’s a policy that I don’t endorse and I believe a lot of residents would feel the same way.”
Council President Patrick Scaglione and councilmen Michael Hsing and Howard Norgalis disagreed, and each noted Monday that there have been no complaints registered against the Green Knoll Fire Company.
“This is not incurring any direct cost to Bridgewater Township at all,” Norgalis said. “The fire company is willing to accept some risk in doing this, which is a heck of a lot less risk then they take on rushing into burning buildings.”
The council could vote on the ordinance as early as Oct. 19, when they are scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex.
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