Controversial “Vote for Trump” sign lights Amsterdam skyline
AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Political signs have attracted controversy before but one in Amsterdam eclipses all others in size and wattage. Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino is showing support for his presidential candidate in a big way. The city’s administration is pushing back with a legal battle.
“Our mayor served me with a restraining order demanding I take down the beautiful sign that's up there. believe it or not, he threatened to throw me in jail,” said Sticker Mule CEO, Anthony Constantino.
But a judge lifted a temporary restraining order late Monday and Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino unveiled a 100-foot sign that urges people to Vote for Trump. “30 minutes before the event I was concerned if I lit it, I was going to end up in jail for God knows how long. I think it's a very important sign. I think it's a historically significant sign, and I think it's going to bring a lot of good for the community. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, you know, it's going to bring good for the community,” said Constantino.
The City of Amsterdam said the lighted sign, which can be seen from the Thruway, violated city codes including Amsterdam City Code 250-40(A)(10): No sign shall be higher than the height limit in the district where such sign is located, nor shall any sign be placed on the roof of any building. Amsterdam City Code 250-40(A)(10): No sign shall advertise a product or a service not principally available on the premises where such sign is located. And Amsterdam City Code 250-40(E): All signs of a temporary nature, such as political posters, banners and signs of a similar nature, including school, church or civic functions, shall be permitted for a period not exceeding 30 calendar days, without permit or fee, provided that such signs are not attached to fences, trees, utility poles, regulatory signs or the like; and, further, provided that such signs are not placed in a position that will obstruct or impair vision or traffic in any manner. Such signs may not represent a commercial product, activity or enterprise and shall not exceed 30 square feet per side.
Lawyers for the city have until October 18th to refile. None the less, residents from across the Capital Region came out to support Constantino and his sign in a rally before the lighting ceremony. “For us, it's the closest rally we will be able to attend. We can't go to Pennsylvania, and we can't go far away. So, this was a nice opportunity to be able to just come support a fantastic candidate and let our voices be known,” said Guilderland resident, Sue Ann Dubois.
Some brought their children along for the event. Eleanor Dodge said she brought her two young children to, “show them that freedom is what they deserve, and Donald Trump is doing what he should be doing. He’s helping the American people.”
It's not clear what the next legal steps will be, but Constantino sees a future for his sign. “I think this sign is going to be a landmark it's going to be an exciting sign for everyone. It's going to be one of those signs like the Las Vegas sign, or the Hollywood sign, and people are going to want to come and see it forever,” said Constantino.