AUGUSTA, ME – MARCH 15: A vehicle heads north on Water Street in front the The Olde Federal Building Friday March 15, 2024 in downtown Augusta. (Staff photo by Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer) Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

City councilors are considering adopting an ordinance against “unreasonable solicitation” in an effort to improve safety downtown. The city of Bangor has a similar ordinance in place.

The ordinance would make it illegal for someone to engage in unreasonable solicitation, which the Bangor ordinance describes as blocking or impeding the path of the person being asked for money or other donations, or following, threatening with physical harm by words or gestures, or touching someone being solicited. Councilors plan to hold a first of two required readings on that new ordinance next week.

Do you think Augusta should adopt the ordinance banning “unreasonable solicitation”? Take our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.