Rules For Thee,
But Not For Me

Back in September, 2018, the Lenoir City council passed an ordinance that prohibits any election signs on public (city) property or (city) 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.

3. Portable or temporary sign structure shall not be permitted. A temporary or portable sign structure is one which allows for easy transport from or on the site and is not physically and permanently attached to or affixed to the property. 

Of course we all know Lenoir City regulations only apply to some not all.

Last week, this truck with a sign promoting Lenoir City mayor, Tony Aikens, pick for city judge, Greg Harrison, showed up in the new Central Park splash pad parking lot. Bear in mind, early voting for the August doesn't begin till mid July. I'm sure the parents and grand parents taking their kids to the park appreciate an out of town politician taking up the limited parking at the park. 

So apparently, permanently parking a truck with a political sign on city property isn't a violation of the city ordinance "No political sign shall be located on any pubic property or right of way?"

I would suggest that every candidate for office in the August election or any subsequent election can now post their political signs at the Central Park parking lot. If Harrison can, why can't everybody else?

BACK
6/13/22