Letters: Rights of property owners come before political signs

Rights of property owners come before political signs

It’s been brought to my attention that there are some local individuals that have complained about having their political signs removed from where they have placed them.
I have been encouraged to write you and share my observations, position on the issue and recommendations about the situation from my point of view as the Lee County Republican Party Chairman.

The first observation is that this has happened to political signs of both major party affiliations. Second, some of the signs are either not in compliance with local municipal regulations or the sign was placed on someone’s property that did not give them permission. Third, some complaints are valid because someone has stolen or vandalized a political sign that has been properly placed.

So here is my position: The Lee County Republican Party does not condone stealing or vandalizing political signs. We support local municipal regulations and encourage Republican candidates to be aware of what those regulations are. We believe property rights of owners are to be honored and recommend our candidates not place any signs without the consent of the property owner. The Lee County Republican Party has never had an organized effort to remove any political signs that have been properly placed.

Within the city limits of Auburn and Opelika, political signs are not allowed more than 30 days prior to an election.

Political signs are not allowed to be placed in the right of way. For a two-lane road, this means 30 feet from the center line or about 10 feet from the curb and this includes your front yard.

Political signs are not allowed to be nailed to utility poles, since it creates a risk of injury to a lineman climbing that pole.

Political signs are to be removed within five days after an election.

Property rights of the owner apply at all times. No matter how visible and strategic a sign location may be, the property owner has the right to remove your sign if he or she has not given you permission.

Rod Herring, Chairman
Lee Co. Republican Party

Wrights Mill Elementary principal deserves congratulations

I would like to offer sincere congratulations to principal Lynda Tremaine and the entire faculty and staff of Wrights Mill Road Elementary. It is a huge honor to win a 2008 Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education, but I already knew Wrights Mill to be a world-class school.

I have gotten to know Wrights Mill Road Elementary’s excellence first-hand through the school’s participation in the Alabama Best Practices Center’s 21st Century Learners Project, which was launched with funding from Microsoft’s Partners in Learning program (www.microsoft.com/Education/PiLUS.mspx ). In fact, three of Alabama’s 2008 Blue Ribbon winners participated in the project, which Microsoft continues to support. Here are two examples of what makes this school stand out:

Wrights Mill Road Elementary wanted to ensure that students used the Internet safely and responsibly, so teachers created an “Internet Driver’s Course” on a Webquest (similar to a scavenger hunt). Students who successfully completed the course received an “Internet Driver’s License.” (Find the webquest at http://snipr.com/WMElem_safetyquest.

When Wrights Mill Road’s accreditation team visited the school, they were given iPods on which students had recorded a tour of the school, further evidence that this school has embraced 21st century teaching and learning strategies. I hope everyone in the Auburn community recognizes what’s special about Wrights Mill Road Elementary.

These educators not only see the need for change, but they are doing something about it so their students will be prepared for college and the workplace. In these classrooms, students are learning in new, exciting and effective ways. I continue to be impressed by the schools we work with in Alabama, particularly the three that received Blue Ribbons this year. I hope to see the excellence continue and spread to reach more students in Alabama, the United States and around the world.

Allyson Knox
Academic Program Manager U.S. Partners in Learning
Microsoft Corp.

Opelika-Auburn News’ endorsement of Rogers puzzling

You’ve got to be joking!

Mike Rogers ran an “incredibly misguided campaign that has brought out the worst in politics,” ranks “403 of 435” representatives and last among Alabama’s representatives in congressional influence, “puts the needs of Washington above the needs of Roanoke, Opelika and Phenix City,” and needs to be “more of a Representative.” But he is in office.

Josh Segall “has a number of great ideas” and “fire, wit and intelligence.”

Therefore, you endorse Mike Rogers?

Your endorsement is beyond understanding. In what world is it better to be divisive, lazy and incompetent after four years on the job than to be smart and eager to serve the Third District? We hope the voters can reason this one out.

Roberta Jackel and
Dr. Christopher Newland
Auburn