Friday, December 27

To the New Year

As I recapture some time and energy from the hustle and bustle of holidays, I always become somewhat reflective at the turn of the year.  Who doesn't!! 2013 was an amazing year for me personally in so many paths and directions.   But here in my antiques hat I just want to share how blessed I feel to still be operating my own business after 35 years and adding thousands of new friends all along this journey!  Did you ever stop and ponder just how far your own little action travels?  Even when you seemingly reach an end, there is still movement of the earth, wind and water flows! I just love the endless connections!

Photo by Sara Dellaquila
Thank you for being part of my path!  My warmest, deepest wishes to all who have visited my shops and blog for an amazing New Year!  May yours be full of wonderment, adventure and joy! 

Wednesday, December 11

Monroe County Law Passage

Monroe County Local Law Entitled:  Regulating Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers and Jewelry and Coin Exchange Dealers passed the legislature with a unanimous vote on Dec 10.  The pretext of the law states that it "will curtail the distribution and facilitate the recovery of stolen property in Monroe County"  and "is necessary for the protection of the citizens of Monroe County".   This law will do no such thing.  Big government excessive over-reach and red tape has shown it's hand again.

My antiques business is exempt from the law, so why bother with this?  Plain and simple:  I believe that any new law should be clear, understandable, straight forward, focused and formulated to resolve it's intended purpose.  Anything less than that is an travesty to the process of democracy and the rights of citizens of Monroe County.

To suggest that we now have a law that will curtail the distribution of stolen goods is absurd.  Think like a thief for just a minute.  Just exactly where might you go to unload something you stole? A shop that will document you and take your picture?  NO.  Online auction? That is probably a great guess.  The public open air markets for selling? Maybe. Seasonal yard sale?  Maybe.   A fence who has the next level up for easy distribution? Probably.  A storefront that is not required to document you?  Sure, why not!

The North American Industry Classification System NAICS establishes a way to classify business establishments. These are the federal guidelines by which all US businesses file their appropriate registrations and tax certifications under.  The definitions of the county law do not subscribe to the federal NAICS codes.  The terms in the new county law continually refer to secondhand dealers as if this covers all operations.  That is confusing.  Also, there is no such entity as a Jewelry and Coin Exchange Dealer.

By the very nature of exempting so many outlets in this new law, the intent of it is reduced to lucky at best.  And yet, the law will be promoted as a solution to finding stolen property.  It is false hope.  We could have been pro-active instead.  Our county would do a much better service by creating a system of responsive, direct, and easy access of communication between police agencies and shop owners.  For a shop owner to know what kinds of items are reported stolen recently is valuable information.  Any person who might walk into their shop would be immediately suspect and a quick phone call could alert police.

It will be interesting to see how this new law is implemented when it becomes effective in 2014.  I strongly suspect the Sheriff Dept. will require additional funds for help with the licensing requirement procedures and the establishment and maintenance of it's data base system.  Policing this new law will be monumental.   For small business owners who must obtain licenses, simply meeting the requirements will likely force some businesses to close.   I really can't fathom that the unanimous vote for this bill suggests that legislators truly think they have helped solve crime in the county.   They only changed the game parameters.

Sunday, December 8

Monroe County Secondhand Dealers Law Draft

Earlier this year I wrote about the draft proposal that Monroe County Legislature is considering in regards to licenses, buying operations and record keeping requirements for Regulating Pawnbrokers, Secondhand Dealers and Jewelry and Coin Exchange Dealers.   Please see my post here: Letter to Monroe County

There will be a public hearing on December 10 to comment on the revisions made to this proposal.  There is some speculation that a vote could take place.
This is Not a Good Law Proposal!  Read the full text here

Please consider attending the hearing at Monroe County Legislative Chambers in the County Office Building in Rochester NY at 6pm.  If you are interested in speaking, please call 753-1950 (Clerk's Office) stating that you'd like to say a few words regarding the 2nd-Hand Dealer's Law.

Thursday, December 5

coming soon!

Got to diggin' in the lace box again and pulled a few goodies to get listed.  I'm not really sure what it is, but every time I have a table of lace next to me it makes me feel all cozy and warm!  Hankie is being listed today - other pieces coming soon :)
post script 12/8 - they are all listed .... and more!  See Anothertimeantiques