The Huron City Commission narrowly defeated a proposed ordinance revision regarding the placement of campaign signs in the City of Huron. Huron has a simple one sentence provision regarding the timing and placement of political signs. The debate began when the Democratic and Republican parties both complained to city officials that the other side had signs out illegally. Both parties placed signs illegally during the South Dakota State Fair, which took place over 60 days from election day, per city ordinance. The new changes extended the time frame signs can be placed before an election to 75 day prior from 60 days. In addition, a number of changes regarding placement and location of the signs was added. Those changes caught Commissioner Doug Kludt off guard…
City Planner Ralph Borkowski says they surveyed the number and types of campaign signs in Huron during the lead up to the recent mid-term election…
A provision would have restricted large signs on the side of trailers and vehicles, but Planning Commission members urged that those signs remain. Representatives of both the Democratic and Republican parties did not appear or give input during the discussion. To gain approval, the ordinance needed at least four yes votes to be approved. It failed on a three to two vote with Commissioners Mark Robish, Bryan Smith and Mayor Paul Alyward voting for and Kludt and Commissioner Gary Harrington voting against. A revised campaign sign ordinance is likely to come back before the City Commission next week.