It's bad enough Rockport selectmen still haven't firmed up the exceptions that should indeed be permitted for outdoor displays in front of the colorful shops and eateries along Bearskin Neck.
But it's downright absurd that a member of the town's Bylaw Committee — and, even worse, members of its Economic Development Committee — want the extremely limiting new bylaw enforced with "no exceptions" at all.
Anyone who's seen the clothes-horse mannequin that merely rests on the step of Arthur and Sherry Merry's Alikat shop — anyone who even viewed the photo of it in Wednesday's Times — cannot possibly argue it is intrusive to Neck traffic or pedestrians, and that should be the primary guiding factor.
If selectmen follow the request of Bylaw Committee hardliner — and rival Bearskin Neck business owner — Leslie Asare, they might as well put up a closed sign where the Neck juts off Dock Square.
That action would not only kill business owners' right to market their wares even within their own space, it would tell all that Rockport just isn't serious about allowing — even helping — businesses promote their shops with any creative flair. At this time of year, that's a message only a Grinch could send.
