Sign police out; good neighbors in?

It happens like clockwork in the weeks leading up to a primary or general election. Calls start coming in to the Flathead County Planning Office, the Sheriff’s Office and even the Inter Lake office. Concerned citizens say so-and-so has put up his campaign sign before it’s legal to do so. Or the sign is too big, or it’s in the county or state road right of way.

Almost always, the reason for these complaints is politically motivated. They don’t want their opponents having an unfair advantage.

Political signs have been discussed a lot lately as the county commissioners consider a recommendation to allow such signs on private property for any length of time. They declined to make a decision on Friday, opting instead to table it indefinitely for further study.

It likely takes a lot of staff time for the Planning Office and law enforcement to act as the “sign police” and deal with complaints, but that’s not what is behind the proposed change.

Free speech is at the heart of the matter. Court rulings in other states have determined limiting the time duration for political signs is unconstitutional. Montana changed its administrative rules two years ago, removing a time limit prior to elections, and shortening the time for sign removal after an election from 30 to 14 days. Those state rules apply only to private property along Interstate or primary state highways, however.

Flathead County Planning Director B.J. Grieve said his office perceived these court rulings and Montana’s softening of its rules as “the handwriting on the wall” and wanted to get out ahead of the issue.

Understanding when and where political signs can be posted is confusing. Cities have their own regulations. In the county, the rules pertain only in zoned areas. In unzoned areas, county rules don’t apply, but state regulations might if you live along a primary highway such as U.S. 93. And there are different rules for scenic corridors. Plus, it’s not easy for citizens to tell where the road right of way and private property begin and end.

Add it all together and it does seem to be downright bewildering.

It’s wonderful to see democracy playing out across the land as candidates campaign and citizens get involved in the process of selecting our elected officials. Political signs are part of that process.

The time probably has come to lift the duration limits on such signs. Opponents argue that allowing campaign signs for any length of time will litter the landscape and create an eyesore in an area known for its beauty. We hope that’s not true, and would encourage our candidates and their campaigns to be responsible stewards and tend to their signs in a timely manner after the election.

If the commissioners opt to approve the change, we’ll have a little less government intrusion in our lives and a golden opportunity to be good neighbors.