Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Is It Smart To Legislate Against Junk Mail?
Apex, North Carolina, a town about the size of Franklin, Wisconsin describes itself as combining a relaxing small-town atmosphere with convenience to big-city amenities. Apex’s Steve Padgett is considered by many townsfolk to be a hero for not doing his job. That’s right, for not doing his job.
The 58-year old Padgett was a mailman who was recently given probation in a federal court for stashing away piles and piles of undelivered junk mail, seven year’s worth to be exact. He even buried flyers and catalogues in his back yard. The judge passed on sending Padgett to prison for five years, telling the mailman, “Today, you'll get credit for a life well lived."
The U.S. Postal Service did not receive any complaints from anyone on Padgett’s route about undelivered mail. Instead, hundreds contacted local media to praise Padgett, saying he deserves an award.
The lack of a backlash against Padgett illustrates the public’s distaste for junk mail, despised in the same way as telemarketer calls. Do Not Call lists have become so popular that many states have explored Do Not Mail registries.
On the surface, the concept of consumers being afforded the opportunity to sign up for a Do Not Mail lists sounds great. But there are ramifications. Direct mail advertising, as obnoxious as it might be, provides discounts to consumers on various goods and services. The industry also provides jobs, employing about 10 million Americans. Doing away with junk mail sends a lot of people to the unemployment line.
Numerous states have attempted to pass Do Not Mail laws. They have all failed.
Read more about this issue in the Los Angeles Times and the Christian Science Monitor.
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