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Public comment session features solicitation complaints and a heated objection to Pride displays
Summary
During public comment at the June 10 Horsham Township meeting, resident Christine Malazi urged tighter solicitation hours and higher permit fees after a 9:08 p.m. knock; another resident, Andy Star, urged flag displays for Jewish and Christian communities and delivered a lengthy, critical statement about Pride and school policies.
Two residents used the public‑comment period at Horsham Township's June 10 meeting to raise different concerns: one sought changes to solicitation rules after a late‑night knock, and another urged the township to display community flags while denouncing Pride displays and related school policies.
Christine Malazi of 213 Fairway Road said she woke to a solicitor knock at 9:08 p.m. from a representative of Moxy Pest Control, which prompted her to research neighboring township ordinances and fees. Malazi asked whether Horsham should consider higher permit fees or explicit daytime solicitation hours (she cited examples such as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in nearby municipalities) to deter late‑evening solicitations. She asked the township to review fees and promised to provide contact information so staff and the police can follow up; council staff said the fee schedule is adopted each January and that the matter could be reviewed later in the year or during the fall fee schedule process.
Malazi also noted that, to her knowledge, Moxy's permit had been revoked; township staff asked her to meet with Chief Fida or provide contact details for follow‑up.
Earlier in the public‑comment period, Andy Star (Langden Avenue) asked whether the township would consider flying a Jewish flag and then a Christian flag. The speaker went on to deliver an extended criticism of Pride, questioning how many children the speaker said should be involved in Pride and characterizing Pride-related efforts in schools as "indoctrination" and harmful to children. Council and the solicitor repeatedly told the speaker that flag requests and petitions are not handled at the flagpole and that the township does not accept such requests during the meeting as a way to determine displays.
Council did not take any policy action during the meeting regarding flags or solicitation hours; staff and council said they would review the solicitation ordinance, coordinate with police and code enforcement, and that specific fee changes would be considered during the next fee‑schedule update.
