I don't know who put the signs up but they're in front of the democrat headquarters on Broadway. 

Back during the May and August election cycles, the Lenoir City codes officer actually removed a number of political signs posted on city right-of-ways before the thirty day period began. So what gives? Republican signs get pulled up but democrat signs are exempt from the law?

I understand the city has a new plan for political signs. None at all. At Monday's council meeting, council passed on first reading an ordinance that would prohibit any political signs on any city right-of-way at any time. Signs will be allowed on private property at any time however.

Usually, it's Loudon City following Lenoir City's lead on things but this time it's the other way around. Just a couple months ago, Loudon council passed an ordinance that prohibits political signs city right-of-way.

The sign bans make it harder for candidates with limited funds to get their name out to the voting public. Candidates will be forced to go to billboards, newspapers or even radio, all of which are far more expensive than a simple sign on a busy corner. I'd say the regulation is very pro-incumbent.

As a political candidate, that's been in seven elections, I don't like political signs. Putting them up, maintaining them and taking them down. But I've always seen them as very Americana. Where else in the world can a plain, average Joe like me and others be allowed to jump into the political arena, win or lose? State and federal elections have already become a rich man only world. With such regulations as sign bans, we're one step closer to local politics being just for the well to do.

I guess if you can't kick'em off the ballot, just make it too expensive to run.