A New York court ruling on a giant ‘Vote for Trump’ sign ignites a fierce debate between free speech and zoning laws.
And the company behind the stunt isn’t backing down – no matter how hard people try to cancel them.
At a Glance
- A 100-foot wide ‘Vote for Trump’ sign sparked First Amendment concerns in New York.
- City officials opposed the sign, citing safety hazards and zoning code breaches.
- A court ruling favored the sign’s free speech protection, denying immediate removal.
- The city has a deadline to readdress its legal stance by October 18.
Free Speech Triumphs in Court
A huge controversy was sparked in upstate New York when a massive “Vote for Trump” sign was erected in upstate New York. Owned by Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule, the sign faced immediate pushback from the local government. Critics cited safety issues and claimed the sign violated zoning laws. Amidst these accusations, a temporary restraining order initially halted its display. Montgomery County Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Slezak lifted the order, emphasizing the fundamental principle of free speech, thereby permitting the sign to shine once more.
The city of Amsterdam argued that the sign posed a distraction to drivers and compromised public safety. Furthermore, city officials indicated the absence of an official permit or zoning variance. Despite these claims, Constantino and his legal team have aggressively disputed the allegations. They insist the sign poses no legitimate traffic hazard due to its significant distance from major highways. As the legal tug-of-war continues, the city’s next steps remain pivotal, with a deadline set for October 18 to rectify any procedural errors in their opposition.
Massive ‘Vote for Trump’ sign will be lit up in upstate NY following last-minute court victory https://t.co/PoE3WS6hbA pic.twitter.com/tWGxCu4BWt
— New York Post (@nypost) October 7, 2024
Symbol of Expression or Public Menace?
For Constantino, the sign transcends its immediate political message. He sees it as a robust emblem of free speech and a revitalization of domestic manufacturing. The former Fownes sign, which it replaced, symbolized declining local industry. Now, the Trump sign stands as a declaration of local economic revival, with Sticker Mule generating nearly 1,000 manufacturing jobs. Constantino has openly criticized the city’s opposition as politically motivated, positioning the sign as a potential attraction.
The sign’s construction cost approximately $125,000, funded by Sticker Mule’s political action committee, StickerPAC. According to Constantino, its presence is meant to offer more than political expression; it’s a testament to reinvigorated American manufacturing. Despite its contentious nature, the sign promises to remain a local staple, continually challenging the delicate balance of municipal norms and a citizen’s right to freedom of expression.
https://twitter.com/theblaze/status/1843703422895436282
Who said New Yorkers don’t love Trump?
