I have some exciting news!
As you may recall, my hometown of Sea Isle City, NJ, has an anti-fortune-telling ordinance that has been used to prevent me from operating my business, participating in local events, and presenting workshops and classes in town (including at the county library) for the last several years. Last year, myself and others spoke at a City Council meeting urging them to repeal the ordinance.
I was recently informed that the City Solicitor (the city’s lawyer) had reviewed the ordinance and my work and determined that the ordinance DOES NOT apply to my business and work as a Psychic Medium!
Thank you, Mr, Baldini, for your thoughtful consideration and action! I’m sharing Mr. Baldini’s official findings on behalf of the city with his permission:
At the City’s request I have undertaken a review of whether the sought after mercantile license by Ms. Haffert violates the City ordinance prohibiting fortune telling, section 3-15, et seq.
The ordinance states:
“No person shall use or pretend to use or have any skill or charge any price for engaging in Palmistry, phrenology, physiognomy, occult practices, or pretend to tell destinies or fortunes.”
Ms. Haffert seeks to obtain a mercantile permit allowing her to conduct her business in the City as a psychic medium and spiritual coach.
Her website confirms she “has spent over fifteen years on a spiritual and self development journey that has led her to be able to uniquely share her highly sought-after perspective with an open heart….She is dedicated to creating healthier, more equitable social structures that support all individuals and groups fully….Catlin is dedicated to mindful, wholehearted living and fosters wellness and well-being for beings big and small.”
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fortune teller as someone with the supposed ability to foretell future events and especially the details of a person’s future.
The clearly stated mission of Ms. Haffert and her many years of experience are dedicated to helping people by creating healthier environments for individual growth through her counseling and efforts.
In light of the foregoing it is my legal opinion that the business model of Ms. Haffert is not the conduct of fortune telling as envisioned in the ordinance and a mercantile license may issue to Ms. Haffert to conduct her business in the City and allow her to participate in all City functions, festivals, and events.
You may disclose this opinion to Ms. Haffert as you deem appropriate.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter and render the within opinion. Should anything further be needed please contact me.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Baldini, Esquire
While the ordinance itself is still problematic, outdated, and needs to be repealed due to its First Amendment rights’ violations of both free speech and religious freedom, I am gratefully accepting this precedent-setting win.
A massive thank you to City Council member, JB Feeley, for all of his effort, dedication, and support in this matter. JB championed this cause and I’m eternally grateful.
Thank you to all for your support! I am looking forward to sharing this healing work unencumbered with the good people of Sea Isle City. And I’ll be starting my city-sanctioned tour at Skimmer Festival TOMORROW, Saturday, June 14th!