JimH: Another Side To Sign Story

RE: Trustee Edie Brooks loses dozens of signs /Huckleberries Online

Jim Hollingsworth: Some of these signs were picked up by neighbors who were very concerned to have those signs in front of their houses, since they planned to vote for Purtee. Other signs were picked up by concerned neighbors who knew that their neighbor did not want any political signs in their yard. All those signs have been returned to their rightful owners. Again, the Police Department does not enforce the sign code, so there was not much point in filing a police complaint. No one seems to be very concerned about the fact that we have lost over 50 (fifty) signs since we started putting them out. Some signs have been put out at least three times, and someone is taking them

• Campaign signs missing /Maureen Dolan, CdA Press
• School elections today /CdA Press

Question: What should Hollingsworth and/or others supporting the opposing candidate have done in this situation?

It is really nice to know that you are appreciated. Someone said you ought to be concerned when all speak well of you. So, when the Democrats call you “Dirty, Rotten Skum” then you know you are on the right track. Just note this comment:

KC Democratic Party site.
http://www.kootenaidemocrats.org/

If Hollingsworth is involved, you know it’s gonna be mean, nasty, and down-right dirty.

You can ask anyone who knows me if that really fits. Maybe I am missing something.

As far as the missing signs you need to know the whole story. Maybe Ms Brooks and Mr. Hemenway are totally innocent, but you have to see the other side of the story.

First off, Mr. Hemenway told me that he put up the signs for Ms Brooks, not herself.

1. The signs were put up late Friday, when it was too late to take any legal action.
2. The candidates did not get a sign permit.
3. The signs were placed on City Property, which is illegal.
4. The candidates did not get permission from the associated resident address.
5. The Coeur d’Alene Police Department said they cannot, would not enforce the law, that only the City Clerk could enforce the law, and she could not be reached until Monday.
6. Finding good sign locations and getting property owner permission to put them up is a very time consuming task. So, if you can put up a bunch of signs, with high visibility, with no concern about being in trouble, then what is to stop you? As a result, they got about three days exposure in locations that were off limits to the rest of us.

Some of these signs were picked up by neighbors who were very concerned to have those signs in front of their houses, since they planned to vote for Purtee. Other signs were picked up by concerned neighbors who knew that their neighbor did not want any political signs in their yard. All those signs have been returned to their rightful owners. Again, the Police Department does not enforce the sign code, so there was not much point in filing a police complaint.

No one seems to be very concerned about the fact that we have lost over 50 (fifty) signs since we started putting them out. Some signs have been put out at least three times, and someone is taking them. We have never had this much sign abuse in any election in the past, and it makes it clear that those who are supporting the incumbents know most of their supporting arguments are pretty hollow. As a former teacher and administrator, I know what it takes to get a good education and my hope is that new leadership will be able to provide it.

Thanks, David, for allowing us this opportunity to set the record straight.
Jim Hollingsworth jimhollingsworth@verizon.net