Political signs vs. twp case delayed

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Gaines Township farmer Vern Verduin will have to wait at least another 10 days to find out if he has won his free speech argument about a couple of trailer-sized political signs on his property.

The Township has cited him for the signs, which are visible from M-6 and posted on two semi-truck trailers parked in Verduin's pasture.

One sign reads "Marxism/Socialism = Poverty & hunger." The other reads "Obama's 'mission accomplished.' 8% unemployment. 16 trillion debt."

The township zoning ordinance limits political signs to 20-square-feet and Verduin's are much larger.

Verduin considers the Township's position censorship and a violation of his free speech rights.

Judge Steven Servaas was skeptical in court on Friday of the Township's position that a sign that equates communism with poverty is actually political speech.

"My own feeling is that you have to be pretty careful about what you let the government stop you from saying or make you put up a sign this big," said Servaas.

The judge questioned whether the case is constitutional.

Servaas got the Township's attorney Crystal Morgan to agree that even a sign that says "I love America" on a trailer where nobody could see it would still violate the ordinance.

"There is really no provision under the zoning ordinance that would allow a 300-square foot sign that says the message that it says or a commercial message. Other than a billboard," said Morgan.

But Verduin says truck trailers like his routinely carry commercial messages without township interference. 

Judge Servaas is giving both sides time to react to each other's arguments and will hold another hearing in about 10 days.

Verduin's case filled the courtroom with supporters.

"It's an important issue and look at the support. I appreciate all these people," said Verduin.