Thursday, January 17, 2008

Wind or Vandalism?


Was it wind or vandalism that destroyed a large, political, advertising sign of incumbent McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi on U.S. 14 across from MCC?

If you see anyone destroying or removing political signs, get the license plate number and description of the car and notify the nearest law enforcement agency. Also, inform the candidate.
Posting of political signs is apparently lawful, although no other private advertising signs can be placed in the highway right-of-way. Signs are to removed shortly after Election Day.
Let's hope that candidates will quickly remove damaged signs (and replace them, if they wish)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Campaign signs are illegal in the public right-of-way.

Gus said...

Thanks for your comment about the illegality of signs in the right-of-way. I too had thought campaign signs in the right-of-way were illegal. Per the County, it allows campaign signs along County roads. It prohibits business advertising signs. The County has passed the buck to the Townships to enforce violations of the County sign code. Go figure!
I called IDOT and was told that campaign signs along State highways must be at least 15 feet from the solid line at the right edge of the pavement. Signs are to be picked up within a certain, and fairly short, period after Election Day.

Anonymous said...

So does Woodstock's code enforcement officer have the authority to remove signs that are in the right of way along routes 47 14 and 120?

Gus said...

That's a good question. If the roads are within the City Limits, the Code Enforcement Officer should have that authority. I believe he does, because signs along Route 47 have been removed shortly after I've contacted him about them. If you have a concern about a sign, send email to CodeEnforcement@woodstockil.gov

Anonymous said...

All that wind and you don't know the answer to that question? Talk less read more.

Anonymous said...

Its not just the Code Enforcmenet Officer who can remove political signs from public streets. I seen them building inspector guys and public works fellows doing it too! I even saw one of them taking a "Haircuts $9.99" sign down from Lake Avenue across from Wal-Mart. Even if the signs are on a State highway, Woodstock guys take them down when they're inside the City. Yesterday, I saw a Regna sign being taken down on Route 47 in Bates Park! We shouldn't have political advetising on public property or streets and besides, it looks like crap, too? Gus, you and the Code Enfoircment Dude, you da'men!
Snoozer

Gus said...

Just received a call back from a traffic engineer at IDOT. As was written in the first comment above, political signs are illegal in the right-of-way. Do all the politicians and candidates already know this? I suppose they also know that IDOT has no available manpower to remove the signs. Salting the roads and fixing potholes are more important. And what cop will go down the road and cite those for signs in violation? Barney, where are you when we need you?

Anonymous said...

Why do you care if a political sgns breaks due to wind? Find something better to take up your time you creepy bastard.