When Edmonds Bowl residents Greg Toy and Jenny Anttila complained to the city about an 18-foot-tall yard sign promoting Black Lives Matter directly in their field of view, it raised some nagging questions about sign codes and the state of sign code enforcement in the city of Edmonds.
“I totally agree with the content of the sign,” said Toy, who along with partner Anttila stress that they both support the BLM movement. “Our issue is not with the message, but rather that it is in violation of the city’s sign code limiting the size of yard signs in residential areas.” (You can view the city code on temporary yard signs in residential areas here.
Last month, the couple contacted the City of Edmonds to ask that it address this issue. In response, City Code Enforcement Officer Dan Gooding wrote a letter dated July 7 to the owner of the property displaying the sign — citing the relevant city code limiting residential neighborhood signs to no larger than 4 square feet and no more than 6 feet high. He noted that the sign was in violation of the code, and directed that it be removed by July 15.
Much to the consternation of Toy and Anttila, July 15 came and went and the sign remained.
The owner of the sign and the home where it is located is John Kelley, a professional stagehand who is also known as JohnnnyRockStar of Edmonds-based bands Zombie Jihad and The Warning: A Black Sabbath Experience. Kelley explained that he is a long-time supporter of Black Lives Matter, and ran sound for BLM events through Rise Up! Productions. George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in late May moved him to express his feelings with a sign. But Kelley was unemployed and didn’t have money to purchase one, so he found a piece of plastic and some black spray paint at his home, and made his own.
“I didn’t put it up to expressly irritate the neighbors,” Kelley said. “It’s just the one piece of plastic that was laying around.”
When Kelley’s sign didn’t come down by the city deadline of July 15, Antilla and Toy next contacted Gooding’s boss, City of Edmonds Development Director Shane Hope, in a further effort to get resolution. This resulted in a Zoom meeting with Hope attended by several other neighborhood residents also concerned about the issue.
According to Toy and Anttila, the meeting was cordial but did not resolve the situation, so they contacted Hope again via telephone.
Hope responded on Aug. 12 in a voice mail, which the couple shared with My Edmonds News. In it, Hope is heard to say that the “Mayor (Mike Nelson) has directed me to not enforce any sign size, dimensions in residential areas at least until the end of the year.”
This prompted Toy to write an email to My Edmonds News outlining the situation and expressing displeasure with the mayor’s decision to suspend sign code enforcement through the end of the year. The email was also sent to the mayor and city councilmembers.
In the message, Toy noted that “un-enforced signage code gives residents the freedom to display signs of any size and height with their personal message,” and that “concerned residents have voiced objections, as the lack of enforcement frustrates their attempts to keep signage within a reasonable restraint and not turn neighborhoods into a circus atmosphere reminiscent of Aurora Avenue… regardless of message or the dismay of neighbors who may consider such advertisement the same as smoke or noise pollution.”
My Edmonds News contacted the City of Edmonds for clarification of what appeared to be a policy to suspend enforcement of these codes.
In an email response, spokesperson Jamie Holter clarified the mayor’s position, saying that “Mayor Mike Nelson has not, and will not, suspend enforcement of the city’s signage regulations through the end of the year. Given all of the code enforcement going on in our city right now, enforcement of political speech is not our highest priority.”
Asked about how the city prioritizes sign code enforcement and code enforcement in general, Holter added the following:
“It [code enforcement priority] really depends. We have so many code violation issues — especially about garbage and junk, which has led to more complaints about rats and overgrown grass. Our code enforcement team prioritizes the health safety issues first. And responding to anything is so much more difficult now because of COVID. So yes, we respond but we also prioritize.”
In a Friday email to My Edmonds News, Shane Hope further explained this, saying: “We typically respond to complaints though if we see something egregious that has not been complained about, we may also follow up. In the case of a recent sign complaint, we notified the owner but do not specify a timeline for correction. As always, we look first for voluntary compliance.”
Which still leaves the oversize sign directly in Toy and Anttila’s field of view. The couple has expressed their firm intent to continue pursuing it.
“This is not an issue of limiting political speech in any way whatsoever,” said Toy in an Aug. 13 email. “The resident posting the sign in question is free, as are all citizens, to post a political sign endorsing whatever view he wants, so long as the sign meets code requirements…this is simply a case of code enforcement, requested by multiple neighbors, brought to the attention of the code enforcement division a number of weeks ago. It is plain and simply a total disregard of the citizens who are neighbors and have voiced complaints about the size of the sign.”
According to Toy, he and Anttila plan to give public testimony on this issue at Tuesday’s Aug. 18 council meeting and have approached councilmembers about getting the issue on the agenda.
As for Kelley, he pointed to supporters who contacted the city on his behalf, noting that there are other signs in Edmonds violating the sign code — in particular, the plethora of “12” signs supporting the Seattle Seahawks — that no one is complaining about.
When asked whether he would consider replacing his Black Lives Matter sign with a smaller sign that complies with the city code, Kelley was noncommittal. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next,” he said.
By Larry Vogel and Teresa Wippel
signs signs everywhere a sign.. we do have more important issues at hand. Let our freak flags fly
I believe that is important that all “laws” be enforced or changed. It is wrong for government to pick winners and losers.
Yes.
If Jesus had just followed the law. The Romans wouldn’t have crucified him.
Toy and Anttilla, are acting in the interests of white supremacy, veiled in city ordinance, whether they are conscious of it or not.
Such cowardice!
I just have to wonder if the council/city government would feel the same if it were a huge conservative message?
The law is the law.
They have…at 9th/100th and Spruce.
I agree with the size limit of signs. Yet I wonder if one puts a sign on the inside of a window, do property rights protect the owner as to size and what the sign says? My neighbor had a Hillary sign in her front yard.
Then a “resist” sign in their window as soon as Trump became President. A Warren sign was in the yard until Warren withdrew. I do feel who your vote for is personal, like what religion one belongs to, and should not necessarily be advertised. With politics being so dividing, why should I see my neighbors preferance each time I leave my driveway? I have never put a sign in my yard. I am holding back to not put a political sign in my front yard until I see my neighbor’s Biden sign. Then my Culp and Trump sign will appear. This is where we have come to.
I’m flabbergasted. How is it possible that our governing agencies are not enforcing our codes? Especially on the heels of a complaint. Will they enforce a violation if I put up a sign that has profanity or pornography or supports Trump? If my sign is a blazing 6 foot swastika then something tells me there would be some quick action. A precedence is being set and that is dangerous.
To all commenters — before we get too far afield on presidential and gubernatorial candidates (or local candidates for that matter), it would be appreciated if we can keep the comments respectful — It’s fine to say what you like or don’t like about any candidate but the name calling doesn’t get us anywhere. Thanks. Teresa
Go ahead and put up your Swastika.
Our Code is Crystal Clear – the Mayor’s duties are as follows:
The mayor shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the city, in charge of all departments and employees, with authority to designate assistants and department heads. The mayor shall see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced and that law and order is maintained in the city, and shall have general supervision of the administration of city government and all city interest. [Ord. 2349 § 2, 1983].
Shall means it is mandatory. What can we as citizens do when the Mayor refuses to do his DUTY? City Council establishes our policies and it is the Mayor’s duty to faithfully enforce such.
As I said a few days ago, I think it prudent to periodically consider whether we are employing the best form of government for the citizens of Edmonds.
This was given some thought back in 2010, 2011. The following article and the comments to the article provide some history and good food for thought:
https://myedmondsnews.com/2010/07/mayor-vs-city-manager-a-recap-of-how-we-got-here-and-whats-next/
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.
Certainly if those who
Believe we are all the children of God and all the same color on the inside can post their views on their property which they pay their duly appointed property taxes and mortgage payments for, then those who don’t believe this and who’s beliefs more closely align with the third Reich and adolf hitler, should also be able to broadcast to the neighborhood, particularly to us who are the sons and daughters of the gallant men and women who fought against that and preserved some folks right to post their swastikas should be able to do the same.
Please proceed Ms a Peterson and please encourage your like minded friends to do the same?
Ah, the typical “everyone who disagrees with me is s nazi” logic from John. The usual behavior from the left.
The lady proudly pronounced her affection for posting a blazing swastika, gray.
You didn’t catch that?
And the blinders of the right.
Yeah. I agree. Typical.
You are a t-rump, sir?
Do you prefer the term ‘lying press’ that Hitler uses when he threw around ‘make Germany great again’. Or ‘fake news’ in the current variation of ‘make America great again?’
Progressive liberals like me—-who study history and don’t watch tv—-want to know.
Please share?
I feel that it is reflective of the adversarial atmosphere in our world these days that every issue, no matter how small, must be played out as an “I win, you lose” battle. Rules, ordinances and laws are in place to assist us in reaching compromise and to be the final word if compromise cannot be achieved. What has happened to respect and consideration between individuals, neighborhoods, cities and countries? No-one here seems to be demanding that the other party abandon his position entirely, just that a middle ground be reached. Why is that so hard? I think of Rodney King, bruised and beaten, pleading “Why can’t we all just get along?” Can’t we all try to make some progress toward that goal?
I find it interesting that the same people who want the Mayor / Council to break from code with the police chief appointment are the same that want the Mayor to adhere to code for signage. You can’t have it both ways.
I think your confused. Most want the Mayor / Council not to break City code’s whether on appointments or signage or procedures. Did you run for City Council on a platform that the City’s codes were to be ignored? You can’t have it both ways!
You’re presuming things that I did. It say. I think code should be followed, unless and until that code is changed. If the sign goes against code, and it does, it should be enforced and dealt with.
There is something cancerous in our current political class when they decide to make law enforcement selective based on their political likes or dislikes. Witness prosecutors in Seattle and D.A.’s in Portland refusing to prosecute crimes by protesters. Code enforcement is law enforcement. Equal Justice under the Law means more than just equal rights for all. It also means equal responsibility and accountability under the law. Without equal and neutral application of our laws there will be no faith in our system of government.
Another entry on the ever growing list of failures courtesy of our ‘mayor’. If I erected a 12ft sign stating “BLM IS A MARXIST ORGANIZATION” I wonder how long that would be allowed to stand? Oops, I forgot….I don’t live in The Bowl so Nelson wouldn’t care anyway.
I agree with Alicia. Everyone should put a sign up like this. Peaceful protestors just went into Seattle suburbs and demanded white people give up their homes and open up their wallets. Trick or Treat. A sign might make them skip your house, but there’s no guarantee.
https://nypost.com/2020/08/14/seattle-blm-protesters-demand-white-people-give-up-their-homes/
Again, presuming something I didn’t say. I’m all for following code until and unless it is changed.
Perfect. “Unless it is changed” is still following the codes. The Mayor/Council should follow the codes, and the sign needs to be fixed. FYI I voted for you.
You do realize that I’m not disagreeing with you. The sign should be fixed.
Alicia, no one white is going to be able to get that sign taken down. These are the sort of things that our local leaders of color and maybe even the diversity committee should be taking on.
Well Matt, What everyone wants or does not want to do concerning any kind of sign is their own personal business. Saying it like you did sounds like blackmail. I would never consider putting a sign in my yard if it were out of fear of repercussion, violent repercussion. I don’t think any Black person I know would either. I am not afraid at all. My sign is my actions with people not signs. My sign is caring about Black Lives Matter and the way I show my respect. One is right here right now. I’m sorry Matt but that to me is just an odd thing to post… Almost as if that is what you would like to see. Trust me it isn’t and It is an insult Matt to Black Americans to assume that if we don’t want a sign we will be robbed and invaded!!!! So Black folks tell Matt that this is right for me will ya. Love to you. K
Deborah, yes I am explicitly talking about BLM exacting blackmail, extortion even.
https://www.nbc15.com/2020/06/26/feds-accuse-arrested-activist-of-extorting-two-madison-businesses/
https://heavy.com/news/2020/08/fernando-martinez/
Every city seems to have this problem. I stopped some BLM kids from tagging a restaurant at 2am right here in Edmonds. They were just getting started and I think the reasons why they chose the restaurant they did while skipping others was that they didn’t have a BLM sign in the window. If anyone wants details about that incident, email me at mdrich2012@gmail.com
They have…at 9th/100th and Spruce.
I doubt – anyone – would want every law to be vigorously enforced. That is the difference between humans and machines – most likely including “AI”
When it comes to enforcement, my hope would be for – compassion… – sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it (see https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassion)
However, compassion for all… appears to be quickly going the way of the dinosaur. And, don’t blame Mr T for that extinction.
Lawgivers, enforcers are NOT leaders. True Leaders are recognized for their abilities to bring people together, not drive wedges and do not campaign for “authority”.
I don’t know what’s going on with code enforcement right now, but it use to be that staff did not have time to proactively pursue enforcement, however when a code violation was reported to them they took care of it.
The mayor appears to think he can do what he wants.
1. Closing sunset without council input or public hearing
2.Closing maim st without having input without from all stake holders ,or council or public input
3. Not enforcing sign code and who knows what else
Council it is time to step up and do your job.
P
S. I smell possible director resignation the way mayor backed her up.
This deal should have been better discussed with easier access for the entire town of Edmonds to decide. That is true. I complained as did others. This day I didn’t agree with Mike the Mayor. Because of the above. It felt like a slap in the face to a vast amount of Edmondites who would not have access to the area. Parking was my gig. Well apparently others complained too. I was happy haha to know I wasn’t the only one being a bit ornery. Well the fixed it at least well enough for me. For now. They opened back up 5th allowing for more parking and better access to those retailers along 5th sound of turnaround. So Mike the Mayor reconsidered and now it is good. We have the are North of the turnaround to use for our markets etc and more maybe even entertainment eventually. We need a parking garage down the hill somewhere. I would like to see this occur. Someplace.. How about on top of BOA haha. We could have bathrooms public with real water in them. A place to wash your hands etc. I am short the ‘” Honey Bucket” is no friend of mine ha. SO SEE, Things are often changed when we ask. Thank you Mike and Council for correcting this error which was really just a very nice dream that got a bit carried away ha. Love to you all Edmonds. Now go have a Debbie Kind of Day. Love while you have the chance. And wear your masks. Faithfully. The numbers are getting slowly better DONT screw up now. K
Is this for real? I know it’s a pandemic and we spend a lot of time at home but you really have nothing better to do than contacting anyone who will listen to you about the size of a sign you say you “agree with”. Go do something productive, read a book, show a stranger kindness. Stop dividing people. This immature battle people will forget about in a few weeks. Why don’t you go do something that will make your community better for kids growing up in it instead of teaching them this level of immaturity and throwing a big enough fit might get you your way.
As for “My Edmonds News” this is really something you want to write about? A petty neighbor disagreement? You guys must be really bored or not very good at your job if this is a “story” for you to pursue.
I agree with Vanessa too. The protesters who are trashing Seattle and now going into the suburbs demanding people give up their houses should “Go do something productive, read a book, show a stranger kindness. Stop dividing people.” Also, none of this is new-worthy too, like Vanessa points out.
Thoughtful sentiments there, Vanessa. I would add that in a small city like Edmonds, things like this can be handled less formally. We don’t need to be bringing The Law down on an issue this small, this petty. Maybe the BLM folks could volunteer to bring out a legal sign to replace the offending sign, then everyone could be happy.
I agree with your first paragraph. I disagree with your second paragraph. This is a very big story because its this citizens story and he has a right to have his views. Since this has and will continue to be an ongoing movement of sorts here in our town I think it is important for people to know everything. EVERYTHING. We are the tax payers. We have a right to know what is going on in our city and that is what responsible journalism does. K
Mr. Kelly’s sign is small compared to the oppression our BIPOC brothers and sisters are experiencing. TRULY. Perhaps if everybody worked up about the sign ordinance was actually actively supporting BLM, calling out institutional racism, struggling against racism in their personal lives, the sign wouldn’t be there. Perhaps the ordinance in this case should be overlooked as the sign has tangible effect and is calling out a great injustice in our society. As Americans we have a strong history of dissent, even property destruction and revolutionary war. Think, Boston Tea Party?
People should remember that when we see a grave injustice, we need to do WHATEVER we must do to right the wrong. If the law impedes that, we are duly required by our ethics and morality to disobey that law.
Nothing Nazi Germany did was against the law, technically. Think of that? They legislated into law all of the crimes against humanity they enacted. The sign ordinance isn’t an exact comparison, but you get the point.
Mr. Kelley’s sign is a very small inconvenience. Just avert your gaze if it really bothers you, but then you should ask yourself… Why am I bothered so much about this? If you come to the conclusion that you disagree with it’s content. You are part of the oppression.
If the city forces it’s removal, it is complicit in stifling a message, a bold and big message against institutionalized racism. It will act as an agent of racism by suppressing dissent, to some an inconvenient, and not nearly proportional dissent. But real change doesn’t come without struggle.
Don’t be on the wrong side of history over a sign ordinance.
Many people believe in the justice of their respective causes. You advocate that if you are acting to stop a “grave injustice” everything must be done to stop it including breaking the law. The same thinking was espoused by the 9/11 suicide hijackers and various violent terrorist groups. It is the philosophy of chaos and destruction. Maybe that is the world you want. I do not.
I advocate changing bad laws and working legally to advocate for societal improvements. It is the democratic way.
Marlin, The Tea Act was a specific law imposed on the Colonies by the crown which forced them to buy tea only from Britain. The crown imposed a monopoly on tea and granted a shipping right just to one company. The tea was thrown into the harbor because as soon as it was taken off the ship and put onto soil, Americans automatically owned it and were taxed for it. The whole point was refuse tea that was being force fed. They were destroying their own property technically, assuming the fact they were being forced to buy the property that was theirs that they didn’t want. The Tea Party was pretty succinct and explicit. Michael Brown’s hands were not up. George Floyd mostly likely died of Excited Delirium.
There are many instances where breaking unjust laws is justified. What parallels are there to that and the BLM protest/movement/riots? Is it okay for a gym to break Inslee’s EO’s and open up to the public?
It appears to be the way of the world right now to instigate fights which can result in no positive outcome. A political sign of that size is just that. All seem to agree each of us has a right to our opinion on whatever subject. However, this is not something that should be up for debate…it violates code and needs to be removed. Why is that so difficult? Be considerate of your neighbors and follow the law.
Why don’t you do it and let’s see what happens?
Whatever one does, some folks will like it—-walk by your house and applaud—-some folks will complain (even if they supposedly agree with it), some folks are bright enough to not look at it, and most folks probably just don’t care.
If one is going to parrot their fox ‘news’ fed opinion that has been given to them…
Why not put it on a sign and post it in front of their yard to show everyone how bright they are?
If they have the guts to put their money where their mouth is.
This isn’t an Edmonds Kind of Day anymore. We aren’t the gem of Puget Sound. While driving downtown Edmonds on Thursday I see three whole blocks with sandwich boards every few feet saying No Parking Saturday or Sunday. Then a huge traffic sign taking up a parking space warning Pedestrians Only. These aren’t welcoming signs to Edmonds Visitors. Trying to find a parking place that Thursday on Main St all I see are Curbside Parking 15 minutes. I’m wondering why do the restaurants have so much parking dedicated to them over parking for retail businesses? Even the Art Store gets a curbside parking 15 minutes only sign? There are chalk scribblings up and down the sidewalks and streets. We aren’t a gem. We look like a ghetto.
They have allowed many alternative views. Example: 9th/100th and Spruce.
Elizabeth, what is the difference between one and many…. hint it is the same as the times I have posted this and you have posted Spruce.
What happened to the real issue which. is the enforcement of the sign ordinance and the mayor says no enforcement till after the first of the year
Doesn’t make any difference what the sign says. Stay on point.
Thanks Don for trying to keep this discussion on point. This is not about the message on the sign – this is about the size of the sign and the location of the sign. Mr. Toy clearly said “I totally agree with the content of the sign”.
Following is the content of the Letter sent by code enforcement. It documents that multiple stipulations have been violated. The letter clearly specifies a timeline for correction. The letter is a public record:
The City has received a complaint regarding a sign at the subject property. Although the Edmonds Community Development Ordinance (ECDC 20.60.45) allows for signage on residential properties, it only allows for signs up to 4 square feet. The must also be placed no closer than 5 feet from the property line and no more than 6 high. The sign on the subject property violates all of these stipulations. Please see the enclosed photograph.
Corrective actions required:
• Please remove the sign by July 15, 2020.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.
Sincerely,
Daniel J Gooding
Dan Gooding
Code Enforcement Officer
If citizens care to have a broader discussion about code enforcement in general, I’d appreciate an opportunity to discuss that with as many citizens as possible.
Mr Gooding sent me a supplemental letter and delivered one personally, with an apology, directing me to disregard the previous letter, which was written on outdated stationary with the last mayor represented.
How did you get a copy of the first letter that was sent to
Me and why don’t you have a copy of the 2nd?
It doesn’t match your thesis, perhaps?
Who is listed as the mayor in this first letter you have obtained please?
A friend emailed it the first letter to me. I am out to dinner but will find out how he got it and let you know ASAP. Probably first thing tomorrow morning.
I noticed the former mayor’s name on your letter also. As a citizen who has been code enforced against by the city, I am very interested in the city’s change of direction. Do you mind sharing the contents of the subsequent letter? If you would rather not, I can request from the city clerk. Thanks.
I am actually engaged.
I will have to dig her up and I got plans tonight.
I will try to get to it tommorrow.
How did you get the first letter please?
I agree with you John. You should be able to fly whatever flag or sign you want in America. It’s your property. I also like Zombie Jihad, listened to every track on youtube. I’m a fan.
A long time ago Lemmy Kilmister explained a reality that people today don’t realize; The Civil Rights movement already happened. Anyone black can play guitar and white people will buy their album, and even say they are the best there ever was.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skGEBgePHtk
Like Lemmy said, everything is up to the individual, and their own determination to do what they want. But there’s a war on the individual, and the left is trying to create race riots which help no one. A big BLM sign is just getting in front of a parade that was already had, and carrying water for people who want segregation again [separation is segregation].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skGEBgePHtk <– Lemmy on equality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaATX-7209c <– Lemmy, a guy oft accused of being a Nazi, died as Little Richard's biggest fan.
The whole movement is lame, contrived, bs.
I disagree.
The movement is real, authentic and neccesary.
I met Lemmy three times and then toured with Motörhead.
I even saw him in his underwear backstage at the show biz hanging with the NASHVILLE PUSSY gang, who I also ran sound for.
He was a black speedo guy. Figures right?
Accusations are not facts.
And no matter what one does, sone folks will hate you for it.
Lemmys pedigree and street cred passes all the tests of authenticity.
Yours are somewhat suspect, I must say.
He was Jimi’s Roadie.
Please consider the source when/before you throw around scandilous gossip about a person like the late great Lemmy?
Thanks.
-Johnnny Rockstar
Lemmy collected and wore Nazi regalia. I’ve never been the one accuse him, and own Motorhead T-shirts to prove it. Others accused him of being a Nazi. You’d have to be a nuanced person to understand him. Clearly you’re nuanced, but you’re also calling people who disagree with you, “Nazi’s”. BLM is a well-funded political party composed of mostly white women, started by co-killer communists like Assata Shakur, lead by fake intersectionals like Shaun King (a white guy in black face). It’s like Zombie Jihad sold out without actually getting paid.
The City has a Public Records Request Public Archive page on its website. On July 10th, the following request was made:
“Release all records related to case #COD2020-0107 and post them to your public records website.”
Case # COD2020-0107 is your case number.
R001034-071020 is the Public Record Request Number.
Finis Tupper noticed the Public Record Request in the public archive and emailed it to me on July 22nd. He sent it to me because he knows I am extremely interested in Code Enforcement in general. I am a citizen who has been code enforced against. I am also a citizen who has made Formal Requests for Code Enforcement that have not been responded to by the City. Finis and I have had many conversations about the City’s arbitrary, capricious, and selective Code Enforcement practices.
For those being Code Enforced against, please be aware that the City has established a history of not informing citizens of all City Laws that apply to each situation. I advise people being Code Enforced against to be very aware of this and to be on guard. For those requesting Code Enforcement, please know that the City thinks it can simply ignore your request and that what motivates actual code enforcement is very subjective and inconsistent.
I would appreciate the details of your second letter, including the apology part. I have been requesting a voluntary apology for improper Code Enforcement for years and the City refuses to apologize.
Another Public Record Request (R001057-080420) was made on August 4th about Code Enforcement Case # COD2020-0111. This one deals with setbacks related to a structure. Corrective action was required by July 31st. The related letter was sent two days after your first letter but has the current Mayor’s name on the letterhead.
I have been busy posting my sad history with my neighbor as a facet of this petty drama…
The site won’t allow me to post my wrap up.
I suspect they have had enough of my poo.
Stand by and I will try to dig her up, but be advised please, I did not reply to the first letter: a concerned citizen I have never met did this after I posted letter number one on hatebook.
Sorry…
‘Facebook’
I have the letter in hand.
It simply says ‘we are canceling the timeline established in the previous letter’ and gives no reason why. It apologizes for grammatical and typos in the previous letter.
It is dated July 13th.
I have sent a copy to the admin on this site and I would give you my email fir us to correspond if they would allow it.
Then I would send it to you.
There’s nothing revealing of why they let me off the hook.
I was prepping different signage to be in compliance when it came.
Most folks who pass the sign applaud it..
As one can easily discern from the back and forth in this chain of thoughts: there is no shortage of racism and racists here in e-town and it is simply a microcosm of our country and the world.
Nobody said life would be fair and she ain’t.
Please vote for Joe and Kamala? They x won’t tear gas your mom or welcome Russian interference in our elections.
John and Ken — I will introduce the two you via email so you can exchange information.
Thanks John – I received your email and the July 13th letter. The letter clearly says “At this time, we cancel the timeline previously identified for you to replace or remove the sign to be in code compliance.” I appreciate you sharing the letter with me.
Residential zone character is important.
Large signs are not appropriate in the single family neighborhoods period. Mayor Nelson sworn oath of office requires him to enforce the city code. See ECC 2.01.010 Duties that states “The mayor shall see that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced … [Ord. 2349 § 2, 1983].
Mayor Nelson lacks the authority to pick and choose which laws to enforce. Maybe a Recall Petition against Mayor Nelson is warranted. The specificity requirements of a Recall Petition (RCW 29.82.010) mandate that the charges alleged a prima facie showing of misfeasance, malfeasance, or a violation of the oath of office. Chandler v Otto, Wn.2d 268 at 274 (1984). Only the City Council has the authority to pass a Moratorium ordinance to stop enforcement of the sign code.
Planning Director Shane Hope certainly is well aware of this requirement,
John,
“I didn’t put it up to expressly irritate the neighbors,” Kelley said. “It’s just the one piece of plastic that was laying around.”
After reading the article, seeing the picture which shows you went to the effort to install it at the top of your tall hedge and all the comments I get the feeling that yes you did 🙂
The obvious compromise would be for you to put it at ground level.
By the way (generally speaking to the group not you specifically) how many people didn’t know that black lived mattered before May 25th? Of those few how many don’t know it now after all the media attention? So what is the point of further protests to tell people something they already know?
Thanks fur sharing your opinion.
‘Simple soloutions for simple minds.’
The point of further protests is obvious to anyone with half a functioning brain left.
Do you presume that because. You know something, everyone else must too?
Respect to John. I very much disagree with your politics and methods, but you’ve been able to boil down your position better than others. The feud reminds me a bit like Joe Exotic and Carol F. Baskin. Zombie Jihad is pretty good too.
“Please vote for Joe and Kamala? They x won’t tear gas your mom or welcome Russian interference in our elections.”
I can’t speak about your mother John, but my mom never threw bricks, rocks, explosives and bags of poop at the police.
Fix your sign and everyone will move on.
You forgot to say please.
I don’t take orders from you and I Am
Pretty sure you don’t represent everybody, but just in case, please relay to ‘everybody’ that this ya still a relatively free country and they are free to not look at my little sign if they don’t like it.
Please ASK them nicely to move on now.
Regarding your views on the peaceful protests: my brother lives in Portland and the scope of the ‘riots’ is about 2 square blocks.
The praetorian gaurd represented by the black water agents trying to provoke a violent response for the t- rumps ‘reichstag Fire’ moment abd hyperbolic LIES represented by the corrupt SWAMP are just more lies like: ‘Mexico will Pay fir the wall’ ‘covid is a Democratic hoax’ ‘it will magically disappear in the spring.’ And on and on and on and on.
Perhaps there are folks who could get a dog and call it ‘manners’ so they will have some?
Starting with you.
Please consider?
God bless and save the grand experiment known as the USA from its enemies whithin and whithout.
Experiment? The United States is the oldest country on earth, in that we have the oldest and shortest Constitution in the world. We import new Americans. The hypothesis was proven. We’d have to be pretty obtuse to look at the American Experiment, and favor the results of the Venezuelan Experiment.
I’m closing down this comment thread — be assured we’ll cover future developments.