Political signs targeted in Palatine

Those clusters of campaign signs that pop up each spring and fall could become obsolete if some Palatine officials get their way.

Councilmen debated the village's sign ordinance Monday in response to the political posters that seemed to proliferate every street corner during February's primary.

"We had sign wars," said Councilman Brad Helms. "It was absolutely ridiculous."

It turns out Palatine's code is among the least restrictive.

Of the nearby communities surveyed, Schaumburg is the only other to permit political signs on public right-of-ways. But they're limited to an area 100 to 150 feet from a polling place and only on Election Day. Palatine doesn't regulate location and allows signs to go up three days prior to an election.

Palatine also permits signs publicizing garage sales and open houses, unlike most of its neighbors.

Because regulations on political signs may not be more restrictive than commercial signs, councilmen like Mike Jezierski and Jack Wagner say the simple solution is a total ban from public property.

While Palatine's rules are relatively lax, enforcement is not, according to Village Manager Reid Ottesen.

He said Palatine has taken a proactive approach, removing hundreds of signs and fining repeat or excessive violators to the tune of about $15,000 total over the last couple years. Other communities' enforcement efforts are limited or nonexistent, he added.

February's primary was a "disastrous mess," Ottesen said, because of a total disregard for the ordinance by some candidates. Many signs were never taken down and reappeared later when the snow melted.

One councilman against tightening the ordinance is freshman Scott Lamerand, who said he wouldn't have been elected last year over 27-year veteran Jim Wilson had signs been banned from public property.

If that were the case, candidates would have to get permission from residents to put signs on their yards, which Lamerand said is easier for an incumbent than an unknown challenger.

"I think (allowing signs) is critical to the political process," he said. "It allows for the most level playing field possible."

As for being an eyesore to some, Lamerand said the signs are allowed just a handful of days each year and that more aggressive enforcement is the key.

Towns that ban all signs on public right-of-ways include Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows.

Officials will seek input on the issue at two public hearings this fall.