Rules for displaying political signs

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Story Published: Apr 1, 2008 at 4:19 PM PST

By Molly Blancett

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EUGENE - Like daffodils in the springtime, come election season political signs sprout up all over the place covering yards and street corners. Mayoral, senatorial, presidential, it's all there. But the question is, who watches over them? The answer? Lane County Public Works.

"Usually during a political season we see lots of signs start to show up," said Public Works Senior Engineering Associate, John Petsch.

Petsch said if you are looking to show your support with a sign, there are some rules to watch out for.

Signs must be kept on private property and out of the publics right of way. Otherwise, that could put drivers and pedestrians at risk.

"We don't like to see them at the curb line or right next to the right of way or to the driving surface," said Petsch. "And, we really prefer that if there's a sidewalk, they be back behind a sidewalk."

If someone complains and public works finds out, don't be surprised if your sign isn't where you left it.

"We'll go out and take care of them," said Petsch.

But, public works employees aren't the only ones you have to watch out for. As political races heat up, so do tempers. Every year, the Eugene Police Department sees cases of political sign theft and vandalism.

"Periodically somebody who has a political opinion that they disagree with will act on that in an inappropriate way," said EPD Public Information Specialist Kerry Delf.

Delf said signs are just like any other personal property. So, it's a crime to steal or deface a political sign. And you could be cited or even arrested.

So, feel free to show your political support. Just be sure you properly display your sign, or else it'll end up where nobody will see it.

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