The list features copies of solicitors’ licenses, their hours of operation, photos, they wares or services they’re selling and more.
Mt. Laurel residents who have questions or concerns about solicitors visiting their homes now have another way to verify their identity with a new list on the township’s website featuring copies of the township-issued licenses and photos for all solicitors legally registered to operate in the township.
Although solicitors legally traveling to homes in township are already required to obtain licenses and show those licenses to any resident upon request, officials say the new list will provide residents with yet another layer of safety.
“The list was actually a suggestion from Councilman (Irwin) Edelson,” acting Mt. Laurel township manager Meredith Tomczyk said. “He thought it would be another great way to help keep our residents informed of who should and should not be knocking on their doors.”
With the online list, residents can learn information about each of Mt. Laurel’s legally-registered solicitors, including their name, address, the organization they’re soliciting for, the organization’s address, what products or services they’re trying to sell, the hours they’re allowed to operate and the date their license expires.
The licenses also show a photo of solicitors as another way to help residents verify identities.
For individuals to become licensed solicitors in Mt. Laurel, Tomczyk said they must provide the information above, in addition to providing a copy of their driver’s licenses and passing a background check from the Mt. Laurel Police Department.
According to Tomczyk, the online list features all 34 solicitors registered to operate in Mt. Laurel, with solicitors representing organizations such as home energy companies, home repair companies, lawn and tree services, real estate companies and more.
Tomczyk said any new solicitors will be added to list as they are approved for licenses.
“Anytime we get a new one, we add it to what’s already up there,” Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk also said the township wants to remind residents who may not know of their right to ask to see any legally registered solicitors’ township-issued license upon request.
“They (solicitors) should have it one them at all times and residents can ask to see it,” Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk said the online list of registered solicitors was just another way the township was trying to better utilize its website for the benefit of residents, with the township redesigning the site to improve navigation and provide more features.
According to Tomczyk, one new feature will include a better way for residents to report concerns they see around town, such as deceased animals in roadways or potholes, in which those complaints will reach the township more quickly and at the appropriate department to handle the complaint.
Tomczyk said the township is hoping to have its new site launched by Oct. 1.
