[Vision2020] Info Regarding Political Signs

[Kai Eiselein, Editor]

Okay, so I'm curious.
So people who have Obama or McCain signs in the windows of their homes are in violation of this law?
Secondly, this ordinance, in my opinion, smacks of a restriction of First Amendment rights, especially for those who have signs on their private property. It strikes me as akin to the city saying people cannot discuss politics until 60 days before an election.
I've never displayed a political sign my self, but this angers me.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
I feel an editorial coming on....


From: Stephanie Kalasz 
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:32 AM
To: v2020 
Subject: [Vision2020] Info Regarding Political Signs


Moscow City Code prohibits display of political signs until 60 days prior to the election that the candidate is participating in (not before).  Signs that are posted currently may be removed.  People can get signs back if they contact me.  I am posting the relevant portion of the Code below.

 

Political advertisements may be posted on private property in the City in accordance with the following restrictions:

       1.  Residential Zoning Districts:  A maximum of six (6) square feet of total area per sign shall be permitted on private property.

2.  Commercial Zoning Districts:  A maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet of total area per sign shall be permitted on private property.  A sign exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet of total area shall comply with Title 7, Chapter 6, of this Code.

3.  Political advertisements shall not create a public nuisance, a private nuisance, or a hazard as determined by the City Engineer or Community Development Director.

4.  Placement, Display and Removal:

            a.         Placement.  All political advertisement shall be secured to the ground or to a structure so as not to create a hazard.

            b.         Display.  No political advertisement shall be displayed more than sixty (60) days preceding the first day of election for the office for which such is an advertisement.

c.         Removal.  All political advertisements shall be removed within seven (7) days following the day of final election for the office for which they are advertisements.  If not timely removed, the City may remove such political advertisements and collect from the candidate or his or her campaign the cost of such removal.

 

Stephanie Kalasz

Moscow City Clerk

 



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Kai Eiselein
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