Mary Ryan challenges Burrellville's new business licensing process at town council meeting
December 11, 2024 | Burrillville, Providence County, Rhode Island
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The Burrillville Town Council held a regular meeting on December 11, 2024, where significant concerns were raised regarding the town's new business licensing process. President Mary C. Ryan led the discussion, focusing on three main issues related to the application process, annual background checks, and the lack of public input in the decision-making.
Ryan expressed her concerns about the requirement for business owners to submit sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, to a third-party online portal, OpenGov. She argued that this practice poses privacy risks and could lead to identity theft, as the portal shares information with international partners. Ryan emphasized the importance of protecting citizens' constitutional rights and questioned the necessity of such a burdensome process for local business owners.
The discussion also highlighted the new requirement for annual criminal background checks for business licenses. Ryan acknowledged the importance of background checks but argued that requiring them annually undermines the presumption of innocence and could be seen as an infringement on personal freedoms. She called for a reassessment of this policy, suggesting that it could lead to unnecessary exposure to identity theft and financial burdens for business owners.
Additionally, Ryan criticized the manner in which the new licensing process was implemented, stating that it was executed as an executive decision without adequate discussion or approval from the Town Council or the public. She urged the council to reconsider the authority of the administration in making such significant policy changes.
The council members responded to Ryan's concerns, reiterating that the administration has been empowered to set policies and procedures. They acknowledged the importance of community safety and the need for a robust licensing process but maintained that the changes were made to enhance public safety and compliance.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored ongoing tensions between the council and local business owners regarding regulatory practices. The council indicated a willingness to listen to community feedback but emphasized the need to balance safety and regulatory efficiency with individual rights. Further discussions on these issues are expected as the council continues to navigate the complexities of local governance and community needs.
Ryan expressed her concerns about the requirement for business owners to submit sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, to a third-party online portal, OpenGov. She argued that this practice poses privacy risks and could lead to identity theft, as the portal shares information with international partners. Ryan emphasized the importance of protecting citizens' constitutional rights and questioned the necessity of such a burdensome process for local business owners.
The discussion also highlighted the new requirement for annual criminal background checks for business licenses. Ryan acknowledged the importance of background checks but argued that requiring them annually undermines the presumption of innocence and could be seen as an infringement on personal freedoms. She called for a reassessment of this policy, suggesting that it could lead to unnecessary exposure to identity theft and financial burdens for business owners.
Additionally, Ryan criticized the manner in which the new licensing process was implemented, stating that it was executed as an executive decision without adequate discussion or approval from the Town Council or the public. She urged the council to reconsider the authority of the administration in making such significant policy changes.
The council members responded to Ryan's concerns, reiterating that the administration has been empowered to set policies and procedures. They acknowledged the importance of community safety and the need for a robust licensing process but maintained that the changes were made to enhance public safety and compliance.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored ongoing tensions between the council and local business owners regarding regulatory practices. The council indicated a willingness to listen to community feedback but emphasized the need to balance safety and regulatory efficiency with individual rights. Further discussions on these issues are expected as the council continues to navigate the complexities of local governance and community needs.
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