Rules For Thee Not For Me

Back in September, 2018, the Lenoir City council passed an ordinance that prohibits any election signs on public property or right of ways. Those officials complained that political signs were unsightly and cluttered the right of ways.

9-24-18-A motion was made by Henline and seconded by Shields to adopt an Ordinance to amend Chapter 6, Section 11-604 of the Lenoir City Municipal code, more commonly known as the Lenoir City Zoning Ordinance, to the regulation of public election signs. The following vote was recorded: Henline, Hines, Johnson, Shields, Simpson and Wampler voting AYE. Second and Final Reading. 2018-09-24-2206-O. 

Public election sign: means any sign which is used for providing general information relative to a public office election. Signs under this definition, shall be permitted not more than 60 days prior to an election for the office in question and removal not more than three days following the election of the office. No political sign shall be located on any pubic property or right of way.
That new regulation was rigidly enforced by city officials for the last several elections. Two years later, with a contested city council and school board race, looks like the sign rule is no longer being enforced. Why is that? Maybe because the same people who voted for the sign law are now running for re-election?

Banning political signs on public property or right of ways was silly anyway. Why would city officials want to ban political signs?

Sign bans make it harder for candidates with limited funds to get their name out to the voting public. Candidates are forced to go to billboards, newspapers or even radio, all of which are far more expensive than a simple sign on a busy corner. I'd say the regulation is very pro-incumbent.

Don't fault the other guys, they didn't vote for the sign ban.

One last question, why isn't mayor Aikens openly supporting any of the school board candidates. If I were them, I'd be a little put out.

BACK
10/12/20