Arizona roadside protest ordered removed

By The Associated Press

11.01.02

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A landowner who used semitrailers as political signs to criticize the city of Scottsdale must remove them, at least temporarily.

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled late last week that Henry Becker, the owner of a toilet-adorned trailer and other protest signs in north Scottsdale, must remove the items while his dispute with the city works its way through the court system.

The Scottsdale City Attorney's Office warned Becker to remove the signs by the end of the business day Oct. 29 or face more legal trouble.

Becker, who says he is exercising his right to free speech, said he will comply with the order, but he vows to keep up his legal fight.

"This inning they have won, but this game is far from over," Becker said.

In January, the landowner parked a trailer with toilets fastened to it on his land, urging voters to "flush" several past and present members of the Scottsdale City Council. Other trailers were also parked on the land.

A Superior Court judge later ruled the displays violate the city's sign and parking ordinances. That decision was appealed to the state Court of Appeals, where the latest ruling was issued.

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