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Community Corner

political lawn signs- should there be a deposit?

QUESTION OF THE DAY---SHOULD THE TOWN REGULATE POLITICAL SIGNS ON RIGHT OF WAYS….REQUIRE A DEPOSIT…and keep deposit if signs are not removed after the election?   ...should businesses get the same treatment?

If a business puts up a lawn sign on town roads promoting their business they could  get a violation notice.  I called the Building Dept today and was advised that the fine is $75 a day. The town has strict laws that restrict the ability of businesses to promote themselves.

On the other hand candidates for political office can put up signs promoting their candidacies anywhere. Almost every candidate for office (including myself- during campaign season) has taken advantage of the right to put signs along roads in the town.  It seems to me hypocritical to call business signs litter and political signs free speech.  Candidates are trying to get a job. Businesses are hoping to be able to keep jobs for their employees by staying in business.

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At the last meeting of the Town Board on Wednesday evening a resident complained -some signs are not removed promptly after the election. A suggestion was made: Candidates should be required to pay a deposit to the town if they want to put signs on town roads before primaries/elections.. After the primary/election they would have a specific number of days to remove the signs. If all signs are not removed the candidates would lose the deposit. What do you think? 

Another option that some communities have adopted: Allow political signs at some key locations. The positives: the streets would not be littered with political signs. The negatives: It will be more difficult for unknown candidates to get know.  What are your thoughts?

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Among the villages that regulate political lawn signs: Ardsley.

Should businesses also be allowed to put up lawn signs on roads for a specific number of days and be required to post a deposit, just like candidates?  Or should business lawn signs be against the law?  E mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com with your thoughts

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