County officials refrain from debate over explicit Biden flags
There are many political flags and signs with different views being displayed in the area, including a number of them in Norwich. Despite some calling to limit certain flags with profanity, county officials have said such expressions are protected as freedom of speech. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)
NORWICH - Heeding calls from locals to take an official stance that encourages civil discourse, Chenango County legislators have decided to refrain from broaching a hot-button issue involving vulgar political flags which can be spotted throughout the county.
Members of the Chenango County Safety and Rules Committee said during a June meeting that they believe profane flags targeting Democratic politicians, namely President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, falls under the First Amendment’s purview of freedom of speech and that any action taken to discourage even profane speech would be overstepping their authority.
“We felt it was something we just shouldn’t be involved in. It wouldn’t be appropriate,” said County Attorney Alan Gordon. “Mainly because anything the county board does would be purely symbolic.”
The issue was brought to the County Board of Supervisors’ attention last month by a letter sent from businessman Mark Golden, owner of Golden Artist Colors in Columbus. In his letter, Golden stated his want for a resolution that encourages civility, especially when popular political signs using the “F-word” can be seen by the general public.
Several of these flags are along Route 80, between the towns of Sherburne and Columbus - near the location of Golden Artist Colors.
The county board sent Golden’s communication back to the Safety and Rules Committee for discussion during last month’s meeting.
Golden’s sentiment about civility was backed by Safety and Rules Committee Chair Charles Mastro, supervisor for the Town of Sherburne, and by committee member Robert Starr, supervisor for the Town of New Berlin. Such signs hurt the image of Chenango County, they said. Nonetheless, they argue that official action taken by the county legislature would be unwarranted.
“I absolutely agree with him,” Starr said of Golden’s plea. But Starr also pointed out opposing political signs put out on Golden Artist’s property. “That should be enough in my opinion,” he said.
Gordon said Golden offered the county some example resolutions discouraging vulgar political signs, one of which required taxpayer supported agencies to develop initiatives and provide a report on an annual basis. But the county wouldn’t deny funding to agencies to enforce it, Gordon said.
Ultimately, members of the county’s Safety and Rules Committee agreed that the signs are offensive; however, they’re unwilling to take action because of the court’s stance on political signs.
“We have no authority to limit free speech nor do we want to,” said Gordon.
Members of the Chenango County Safety and Rules Committee said during a June meeting that they believe profane flags targeting Democratic politicians, namely President Joe Biden and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, falls under the First Amendment’s purview of freedom of speech and that any action taken to discourage even profane speech would be overstepping their authority.
“We felt it was something we just shouldn’t be involved in. It wouldn’t be appropriate,” said County Attorney Alan Gordon. “Mainly because anything the county board does would be purely symbolic.”
The issue was brought to the County Board of Supervisors’ attention last month by a letter sent from businessman Mark Golden, owner of Golden Artist Colors in Columbus. In his letter, Golden stated his want for a resolution that encourages civility, especially when popular political signs using the “F-word” can be seen by the general public.
Several of these flags are along Route 80, between the towns of Sherburne and Columbus - near the location of Golden Artist Colors.
The county board sent Golden’s communication back to the Safety and Rules Committee for discussion during last month’s meeting.
Golden’s sentiment about civility was backed by Safety and Rules Committee Chair Charles Mastro, supervisor for the Town of Sherburne, and by committee member Robert Starr, supervisor for the Town of New Berlin. Such signs hurt the image of Chenango County, they said. Nonetheless, they argue that official action taken by the county legislature would be unwarranted.
“I absolutely agree with him,” Starr said of Golden’s plea. But Starr also pointed out opposing political signs put out on Golden Artist’s property. “That should be enough in my opinion,” he said.
Gordon said Golden offered the county some example resolutions discouraging vulgar political signs, one of which required taxpayer supported agencies to develop initiatives and provide a report on an annual basis. But the county wouldn’t deny funding to agencies to enforce it, Gordon said.
Ultimately, members of the county’s Safety and Rules Committee agreed that the signs are offensive; however, they’re unwilling to take action because of the court’s stance on political signs.
“We have no authority to limit free speech nor do we want to,” said Gordon.
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