Politician Spock
Footballguy
The mayor of our city posted this on Facebook yesterday:
The mayor responded to those opposed to it for constitutional reasons by saying the ordinance intentionally used the word "recommended" because they know they can't enforce it. He then went on to say that it's not a law that candidates need to follow, but instead a rule they agreed to play by when they decide to run for city council.
Does the mayor have a valid argument that the rights of the candidates and those that support them are NOT being violated by the time limitation on political yard signs, because it's only a rule they agree to in order to run for city council, and not a law that is being enforced?
I understand the hatred of seeing political yard signs every election season, but again the Supreme Court has ruled that property owners have the right to place them. So if all you want to post is that you hate them, then lets just all agree that there is a lot of hatred of them, and focus on whether or not they mayor is violating people's rights with his "it's only a rule, not a law" approach.
Thoughts?
The response was mixed with those supporting the ordinance, as well as those opposed to it because limiting content or time of political yard signs was ruled by the Supreme Court to be unconstitutional.Years ago, [redacted] City Council passed a sign ordinance regarding campaign signs which states “It is recommended, campaign signs not be displayed prior to 10 days before absentee ballots.” It is unfortunate when candidates choose not to follow this rule and puts the other candidates in a distinct disadvantage and dilemma. We appreciate all the candidates in all the races that respect our sign ordinance.
The mayor responded to those opposed to it for constitutional reasons by saying the ordinance intentionally used the word "recommended" because they know they can't enforce it. He then went on to say that it's not a law that candidates need to follow, but instead a rule they agreed to play by when they decide to run for city council.
Does the mayor have a valid argument that the rights of the candidates and those that support them are NOT being violated by the time limitation on political yard signs, because it's only a rule they agree to in order to run for city council, and not a law that is being enforced?
I understand the hatred of seeing political yard signs every election season, but again the Supreme Court has ruled that property owners have the right to place them. So if all you want to post is that you hate them, then lets just all agree that there is a lot of hatred of them, and focus on whether or not they mayor is violating people's rights with his "it's only a rule, not a law" approach.
Thoughts?