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'Impeach Obama' booth on West Main draws supporters and code enforcement

By Howard B. Owens

Two men from New Jersey stopped in Batavia today to gather signatures from people who agree with their "Impeach Obama" message. They were also gathering signatures on a petition to reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act.

Art Murphy and Chris Sare, from Bogota, N.J., said their goal is to visit every congressional district. They've been to Florida, Texas, California, among other places.

There were set up on West Main Street near the eastern entrance to the Tops parking lot.

The funding for their travels comes primarily from the LaRouche PAC.

Quite a few people stopped to sign the petitions.

They also got a visit from Batavia PD and the city's code enforcement officer.

City code prohibits any kind of sign in parkways. If it's planted in the ground, no matter what the message, it's illegal under city code.

Police responded to a citizen complaint about the signs.

When Code Enforcement Officer Ron Panek arrived, he showed them the section of code they were allegedly violating.

Murphy asked how to contact the city attorney. He said there are court cases that give them the right on public property to conduct political protests. He said they would follow up, but said they would obey the orders of the police.

Once the signs were down, the Sgt. Dan Coffey and Panek left, leaving Murphy and Sare to carry signs up and down the sidewalk if they wished. As they left, even more people were stopping to sign petitions.

Emma Morrill

You know, I'd be willing to sign a petition to reinstate Glass-Steagall... but not if I saw the dumb anti-Obama Hitler mustache sign. One glimpse at that, and I'd think, "nut-job extremists," as I drove on by. Not exactly brilliant marketing on the part of these petitioners.

Jun 5, 2014, 7:20pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

How odd. I really find it difficult to imagine the sort of intellectual deficit that would allow a comparison between President Obama and Adolph Hitler. Maybe that's just me, but on the other hand, I strongly support reinstatement of Glass-Steagall.

Well, they were from New Jersey! There you have it.

Lyndon LaRouche. Now there's a creepy blast from the past!

Jun 5, 2014, 7:33pm Permalink
Lisa Schwab

Wow, I say if the mustache fits go with it! When are people going to realize the damage this man does every day to our country! He hates America and all she stands for and he is trying to dismantle every thing our founding fathers died to give us. Wake up people and smell the coffee while you are still allowed to drink it. Our freedom is being stolen right out from under us and some just keep making excuses for what is behind it all. Every time his lips move he is lying to the American People! Wake Up!

Jun 5, 2014, 8:02pm Permalink
Brian Graz

Yet another case of authority run amuck. How can the City take these actions with a good conscience, and a straight face? I'm sure there has been other signage in that very same spot numerous times in the past.

Also, people put items out "for sale" or "for free" in this "Parkway" all the time.
How about garbage placed out for collection? It is almost always in this "so-called" Parkway... it must be exempt"???
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From the City of Batavia Codes:

§ 159-5 Merchandise on parkways.

A. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

OUTER LIMITS OF THE SIDEWALK
The outer or street side of any sidewalk; in localities where the sidewalk is not clearly visible because of a covering of cement or blacktop, or otherwise, the outer limits of the sidewalk shall be determined to be a projection of the outer line of the sidewalk measured along the entire length of the street.

PARKWAY
The lands lying between the street curb and the outer limits of the sidewalk running parallel with such street curb.

B. Prohibitions. It is unlawful for any person to deposit, place, display or store, or to permit or allow to be deposited, placed, displayed or stored, any goods, wares or merchandise of any kind, either for sale or otherwise, or to erect or maintain any sign, in any parkway in the city.

Jun 7, 2014, 12:41am Permalink

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