Does Sign Law Halt Freedom of Expression?

by: Bill Liblick

County Clerk Neil Gilberg in continuing the tradition set by George Cooke recently swore in new citizens.

Having attended a ceremony several years ago, it is always breathtaking to see the faces of those from oppressed countries becoming citizens of our great country.

Gilberg told me that this year’s event was no different. He said it was a thrill speaking with our new Americans hearing them blessing our constitution and all the freedom that comes with it.

Here are groups of people who can’t wait to partake in all the liberties our great country offers, while residents and merchants in the Village of Liberty are complaining that their freedom of speech has been removed from them because of a strict sign ordinance. Pre-approved backlight signs like at Family Dollar will have to be removed.

Business owners have joined residents in fighting a village law they feel restricts freedom.

Officials claim that they want to spruce up Liberty and give it a certain appearance, a polished look. Others see all this as a real diversion from the Village of Liberty’s real problems and an indirect attempt to stop freedom of expression.

The village board, after receiving over 300 signatures on a petition will be holding a special meeting in October to discuss the matter.

It is notable that the village wants to keep up appearances, but they should be addressing real issues such as economic development and crime first. Maybe then people would not be so upset with sign laws.

Also, before they enforce rules on the general public, they should take a hard look at their own backyard. The police station for example is dilapidated and needs massive repairs. It is amazing how they can expect our hardworking members of the law enforcement community to work under such conditions. I bet an independent committee looking into municipality conditions would slap them with massive fines.

The crime wave hitting the village cannot be hidden under the rug any longer.  There needs to be more support towards fighting crime. Respected Village Justice Harold Bauman, for example, is on call 24 hours a day arraigning those arrested. His court calendar is overloaded. Yet, he has to beg for a pay raise.

Stores in the Village remain empty, and those that are open find it very hard to stay in business

The sign law must be changed, and real issues must be addressed once and for all.

When County Clerk Neil Gilberg delivered his speech he put it best when he told our new Americans, “If we don’t like the system we can change it.”

The problem is we often complain, but many of us do not exercise our right to vote. This past spring when the Village of Liberty held their elections only several hundred voters came out to vote while thousands are registered. Sadly the mayoral seat was only decided by four votes.

I guess it takes an issue such as signs to motivate people. The message is clear, people will be heard when they are organized and have had enough.

That is why it is important that you exercise your right to vote. Our new citizens will eagerly be participating in the elections, will you?

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