Sign of the times

Local business owners usually pay expensive fees to display signs that attract buyers and clients. The right to display a commercial sign and the cost of producing it isn’t cheap.

Legitimate entrepreneurs are rightfully outraged when rogue businesses and fly-by-night operators display illegal, temporary signs on public property. But it costs time and taxpayers’ money to remove these prohibited signs.

Every Monday morning, unsightly "earn-money-at-home" and similar signs that sprouted over the weekend–—without permission––must be taken down by city workers.

By the time the items are taken down, the crafty business owners who benefited from the unlawful signs have skipped town with their profits.

Plenty of residents, too, have been guilty of posting "garage sale" or birthday signs and balloons on public property.

What about all of those obnoxious flyers on vehicle windshields?

Did they get permission? Unlikely.

Even if you oppose government regulation and support capitalism, there are limits.

Where do you draw the line? Are we being too picky when we demand that residential streets and sidewalks remain uncluttered? Should garage sales, computer sales and open houses be exceptions to the rule?

Be a responsible citizen. Go to your city’s website, learn about the limitations on temporary outdoor advertising—and obey the laws.