The History of Early Pollution of Political Signs in Copake

After reading last weeks article by Bob Sacks about the early pollution of political signs in Copake, I thought a history lesson about how this came to be would interest the readers of the Chronicle. Like Mr. Sacks, when I first ran for office in the 2005 election, I inquired about the correct time to put out my signs. Researching our zoning code, I too found a 30-day law on the books about political signs, which I was happy to comply with.

I remember also that in the 2007 election, for the most part, even though a few county politicians had their signs out, the Copake candidates stayed within our town’s 30-day ordinance.

But then in the 2009 election something changed. In July, Town Justice Brian Herman, running for re-election, put his signs out & questions were brought up to Town Board members about our 30-day law on political signs. In an email to the Town Board dated August 13, 2009, Morris Ordover president of the Copake Democratic Club stated it was illegal for us to enforce this law, as it is unconstitutional. This email was read at the September 12, 2009 Copake Town Board meeting under correspondence. A copy of this email is available at the Town Hall (Copake Town Board meeting of 9/12/2009 minutes). Subsequent to Mr. Ordover’s letter came more early political signs for Councilman Gabaccia, and yes also Councilman Sacks. Following the lead of the Democratic candidates, the rest of the candidates followed suit.

 Now, this takes us to present day & Mr. Sacks’ article asking to go back to our 30-day law. The law was interpreted as unconstitutional by the President of the Democratic Club, and therefore the Democratic candidates did not abide by it. Now Mr. Sacks wants to go back to the way it was. Readers of the Chronicle, please realize that once the laws are challenged & not abided by, it is hard to go back to them. I personally have no problem living within our local law about political signs, but maybe there should have been a little more thought and consideration given by Mr. Ordover & the candidates in the 2009 election about the legal right verses the right thing for Copake.

 Jeff Nayer