Eugene Public-Transit Opponents’ Signs Prohibited

The Register-Guard reported that Eugene, OR resident Bob Macherione is fighting City Hall over what he calls a free-speech issue. Macherione and other local business owners oppose construction of a rapid-transit line they fear will drive customers away. They formed Our Money Our Transit, a group of citizens who oppose the expansion.

Macherione, who owns the Sports Car Shop, has already been fined for posting signs against the rapid transit without a permit. More recently, he borrowed a 1960s British military vehicle from a friend – complete with a fake gun — and parked it outside his shop.

City officials want Macherione to apply for a permit, which costs $169, to post signage and wait for its approval. Macherione says his vehicle constitutes free speech, and has enlisted the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon. The ACLU reviewed Eugene’s sign code, and is working with city officials to revise it. However, the organization told the Register-Guard that it plans to sue the city unless the revisions happen quickly.