Craig says sign ordinance violations should be ‘overlooked’

In an election year, campaign signs tend to draw a lot of attention, and not just as a means of getting a candidate’s name out there. Oftentimes, sign placement and size break city laws.

The only two Dothan city commissioners not running for office this year favor waiving the sign ordinance. Commissioner John Craig said the process of collecting the signs by two Dothan police officers is a poor utilization of taxpayer funds.

“I’d like to see us waive the sign ordinance,” Craig said Tuesday. “I think it is something we should overlook and get on with the business of the city.

“It is a waste of resources, gasoline, automobiles, and officers’ time. They’ve got better things to do than chase down signs.”

Last week, Mayor Pat Thomas sent a press release out reminding candidates of the ordinance.

Campaign signs in residential zones must be smaller than six square feet unless a permit is obtained. Political signs are required to be behind the right-of-way, and 10 to 12 feet from the edge of the roadway on city streets.

No signs may be placed on utility poles or in state or federal rights-of-way.

Commissioner Amos Newsome said politicians should not be hindered.

“I think we need to recognize that the City of Dothan belongs to the people, to the public. Those campaigning should be asking the people, the public.

“We should not hamper with those advertising for public service if it does not interfere with the safety of the city,” Newsome said.

The police department has two nuisance officers who handle complaints about such issues. Police Chief John Powell said residents may report violators through Q-Alert at http://www.dothan.org. Click on Customer Service and fill out a citizen form.

Powell said the officers get their information from the site and go out to assess the violation. If the violation is a sign, they pull it up and bring it to the police department. Signs are held for about a week before they are thrown away.

Powell said he does not consider any of the candidates lawbreakers.

“Helpers have the best intention in the world and they may not know they are breaking the law. Most of the candidates are extremely cooperative. They come get the signs and are very apologetic.”

The ordinances were drafted, Powell said, to protect the motoring public. Signs can block visibility and may be considered clutter on the roadways.

No one responded to Craig’s idea of waiving the ordinance, including Mayor Pat Thomas, who is not seeking a second term.

“I think it died,” Craig said. “All I wanted to do was get the word out that maybe people will stop complaining about it.

“The way I look at it, if there is a sign in the yard, you can throw it away. I have been fussing with the city manager about this waste of time to pick them up. We have better things our police officers can do.”

City elections are July 14. Sitting commissioners Larry Matthews, Paul Lee and Taylor Barbaree are up for re-election. Commissioner Keith Seagle is running for mayor.