By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The sight of campaign signs marks election time for most but for one attorney it’s a nod toward properly exercising First Amendment rights.
Attorney Michael Bear addressed the Bucyrus City Council Tuesday night on the issue of campaign signs in Crawford County. Bear, who works as an assistant prosecutor for Richland County, has a strong interest in elections and, after doing some research, found that some of the rules on the books could be considered unconstitutional when it comes to placing campaign signs.
Bear noted that the legislation currently on the books in Bucyrus and Galion states that campaign signs cannot be put out more than 45 days before an election. He pointed out that due to changes in early voting, the signs would only be out 10 days prior to the first votes being cast. He also believed that the time limit was not enforceable nor was there enough time to advertise for a campaign before an election.
“If you’re out in October campaigning, there’s portion of the population that’s already voted,” Bear explained. “So to that end, getting out information on issues or candidates, it’s important to be able to do so. Forty-five days is simply not enough.”
Bear also had concerns about the size limits the city puts on the signs as well as any safety hazards that may result from signs not being illuminated.
Council President Sis Love said the current legislation concerning campaign signs has been on the books for a while. She added that former City Law Director Matt Crall had previously said it would be hard to enforce the legislation as it stood.
Love referred the issue to the Platting Committee to be discussed further. Bear will also be attending the Galion City Council meeting on April 8 to present the matter to council. Galion has a similar law in effect.
Mayor Roger Moore informed council that he was notified by Senator David Burke that the Senate passed the state’s proposed capital budget. It will then be forwarded to Gov. John Kasich for signage (see related story).
The budget included funds to tear down the old Bucyrus Theatre and establish the Schines Art Park in its place.
“I would say that we are real close to getting that building torn down,” Moore stated.
Council went into executive session to discuss collective bargaining agreements. No action was taken after the executive session due to a lack of a full quorum. Union contracts with AFSCME, IAFF, and FOP are expected to be on the agenda at the next regular Bucyrus City Council meeting along with a resolution concerning ODOT bridge inspections.