Route 422 billboard sparks strong opinions at Summit Township meeting
SUMMIT TWP — A handful of residents shared their thoughts Wednesday, Jan. 18, at a township supervisors meeting on the controversial billboard recently placed at the intersection of Bonniebrook Road and Route 422.
One addressed concerns about the messages and the placement of the billboard, while others voiced support the owner’s right to free speech.
The billboard owned by John Placek, which includes phrases such as: “FBI corrupt & dangerous”; “Whites are under attack stop it now!!” with “Stop teaching critical racist theory to our kids”; “God’s law ‘marriage’ one man-one woman”; and “God prohibits same sex marriage” first began displaying the messages Jan. 9.
Placek told the Butler Eagle that he’d update the messages on the board weekly.
At the meeting, township resident Linda Hartle voiced concerns about distracted driving the billboard could cause, with others asserting that the risk would wane over time as word spread and locals got used to its presence.
“I think a lot of the sayings he has up there are spewing hatred, and I think we’re supposed to be the United States, not divided states,” Hartle said. “I don’t see how he’s doing the area I live in any justice.”
Another resident, Tara Smith, said she was happy that some of the messages she found in particularly poor taste had been removed, but otherwise voiced support for the billboard.
“I think that it’s wonderful, and I hope he’s allowed to keep it there,” Smith said.
Secretary Roxann Stickney said the township received numerous calls last week, most from passersby who complained about the swastika being displayed among the messages. Placek removed the swastika on Jan. 13.
Hartle also raised concerns about speeding on Heist Road, inquiring as to the process for enforcing a lower speed limit.
Roadmaster Larry Osche said that a traffic study would be required for changing the limit.
“It’s pretty hard to enforce it now,” Osche said.
