Sign, sign, everywhere a sign...

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Homemade signs became a big part of Crossville politics four years ago when councilman Pete Souza first ran for a council seat. The signs, stenciled on large pieces of plywood made complaints and accusations and were put up in numerous locations.

Less homemade looking signs have begun springing up around town as part of the recall efforts against council members Danny Wyatt and Pam Haris. At the city council's May regular meeting, a homemade sign on the back of a pickup truck created a stir and complaints from at least one citizen who attended the meeting.

The sign, attached to a truck driven by J. R. Blankenship and parked in front of city hall during the meeting.  Blankenship has stirred the council in the past and who was accused of distributing unsigned fliers in the downtown area several weeks ago. Blankenship was in city court earlier in the week and fined for the fliers. It is believed he has appealed the fine to a higher court.

In March of this year Blankenship spoke in public comments claiming he had proof of "council members violation of fiduciary duties,” that he had “polled 25 law professors” and added that he would make the information public after he heard from them. So far he has released no information on his claimed accusations.

Blankenship had the sign lying in the bed of his truck when he arrived and he flipped it up near the start of the council meeting. The sign accused Mr. Kerley of being a liar and included lines from an email from Mr. Kerley and one from police chief Rod Shoap. The question was whether Mr. Blankenship lived at his mother's house or not. Kerley's email said his mother said that he did not and chief Shoap's said she had not made that statement to officers.

At least one citizen in attendance at the meeting stood up and complained about the sign. Long time local resident Vancieneta Wisdom said, “I was very disappointment to see a large sign out front. I think it speaks volumes about the person who parked the sign there and it speaks volumes about our city.” Wisdom asked that the council consider an ordinance banning political signs on city property. She apologized to Mr. Kerley who was named on the sign and then thanked all the council members for serving adding, “You do a good job and I'm proud of each of you. I think it takes a lot of nerve to sit up there.” Scattered applause came as Mrs. Wisdom finished.

This blog has received a copy of a photo that appears to show council member Pete Souza's truck and him working on one of the Crossville recall signs near the community complex.    

Such temporary political signs are allowed under the city's sign ordinance but there are some restrictions on placement including:  

   (C) Signs listed above will be located off the street or highway right-of-way.

   (D)   Signs listed above shall not obstruct, or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device and cannot obstruct or physically interfere with a driver's view of approaching or intersecting traffic.