‘Tis the Season of signs in Minnesota

To the Editor:

Come on and show your creativity: Erect a super large sign and say anything you want. Use flashing lights to make sure everyone will see it.

For instance, say your neighbor is trying to sell his house and you want to discourage potential buyers and lower the home’s value. It’s easy. Just put up several 4’x8’ signs. One might say you love AR-15 assault rifles. Another might say that your home is guarded by 4 mean pit bulls. Another might say “I love loud heavy metal music.” A swastika could be attractive (not really).

Perhaps you have what you consider a righteous cause – now’s the time, go ahead an put up a giant “Eat Less Meat” or “I Love Hamas” or “Climate Change is a Hoax” or “The Mayor is Nuts.”

Hurray for free speech taken to the limit.

If you think these 4’x8′ signs would be illegal, you’d be wrong. During the excruciatingly long political season, anything goes in Minnesota where there is a state law that overrides all other local signage regulations. Here it is: 211B.045 NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS EXEMPTION.

All noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number beginning 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until ten days following the state general election. Municipal ordinances may regulate the size and number of noncommercial signs at other times.

Thankfully, most of us would never consider putting up such horrible, divisive signs as imagined above. But there are a few signs around town that are not “neighborhood friendly.” They are getting a hard pass until after the elections in November because of this state law. And these signs may continue to be overlooked after November because city officials are hesitant to enforce laws that could potentially trigger a freedom of speech court battle.

I respect free speech and the ability to express our differing views with signs. However, signs should not degrade home values, use reasonable language, etc. It is unfortunate that the State of Minnesota created such a spineless sign exemption (woke?) for the political season.

Ted Schaefer,

Fairmont