Debate not over yet on political signs

While the provision that political signs "shall be erected no more than 30 days prior to the election" was taken out of a Wheeling village ordinance Monday, other items in that same law may still come up for debate.

The village allows political signs on private property to be only 26 inches wide and 16 inches tall. It also only allows one sign per candidate.

Chris Shefner, a Wheeling resident who fought a citation for having two Ron Paul signs up long before the 30 days allowed, said he still wants to fight the size and number issues.

James Ferolo, the village attorney, said the 30-day limit has been found unconstitutional elsewhere and he recommended the village drop it. However, he said he believes the other items are a good compromise for keeping the village aesthetically pleasing and still allowing residents freedom of speech, he said.

"You can't put up 10 signs for the same candidate," he said Monday. "We protect everybody in this regard."

Shefner said he also is worried about the right to put up signs that have nothing to do with a specific candidate, such as those protesting the war or high taxes.

He said the village doesn't have a clear view on protecting those kinds of signs.

Shefner plans to go back to the plan commission, which makes recommendations on sign ordinance changes, on March 13 with those issues.

In the meantime, Ferolo said the village still expects Shefner to pay the $25 citation he received for the number of signs he has up even though the ordinance has been changed.

Shefner, who still has both Ron Paul signs in his yard, said he will not pay up until the plan commission and the village board address the other issues he has brought up.