Signs of discontent:
Political placards generate controversy
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
The perennial issue of political advert sign regulation has once again percolated into the public sphere, with Marathon City Council agreeing to ban such placards from city-owned property.
Council discussed the matter at the Sept. 8 meeting at the Marathon Government Center.
In the past, acting City Manager Mike Puto said, the rules allowed signs to be placed in “lesser of the evils” locations, such as on the side of Sombrero Beach Road, behind the airport, and another spot known as “Area Three.”
This time around, however council members appear to be taking a harder line on the subject, during the run-up to the Nov. 3 Marathon municipal election.
“I personally think all the candidates have found places to put their signs so far,” Mayor Chris Bull said at the recent meeting. “I . . . would prefer not to see [the signs] on a city right-of-way.”
Vice-Mayor Mark Senmartin and Councilman Dan Zieg both agreed with Bull.
“I think there are going to be enough signs,” Senmartin said. “They should be strictly on private property, with the owners’ consent . . . I just think we need to avoid the whole appearance thing.”
Zieg chimed in, saying “I think keeping them on private property is the easiest thing to do.”
Council member Bill Kelly, who lives behind the airport, said that he had a personal stake in the matter, pointing out that the signs “obstruct [his] vision when [he’s] pulling out” of his driveway.”
And Richard Keating generated widespread laughter when he stated “I don’t care anymore” about the affair.
He concurred with the other members, though, and added, “I think the city should stay out of [having signs on its property.”
Puto then informed the council that he would direct the election candidates to remove their signs from locations, like Mango and Grouper streets, where they have already proliferated, and to not place them on any other city-owned places.
“Fantastic,” Mayor Bull added. “Let the political season begin.”
Signs have figured in another controversy recently, with council candidate Dick Ramsay coming under fire for allegedly laying out his shingle earlier than allowed.
Marathon resident Chris Frost took the matter up with the city’s Code Compliance Department, after he said Ramsay violated the rules by posting his signs more than 60 days before the election.
Ramsay maintains that his signs, though placed in public, were covered, to comply with a city ordinance, and that the complaint is merely an attempt to smear his campaign right out of the starting gate.
The Marathon Code Compliance Department is investigating the claim.
In addition to the 60 day rule, political signs must adhere to limitations on size, height above ground, and must be taken down within 10 days of an election.

 

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