Dear Editor, I just read, with dismay, the new Warsaw proposed sign ordinance.

Why in the world would the powers that be propose such a massive restrictive sign ordinance for our community? Don’t they realize we are experiencing a very tough business climate? The small business person is struggling to get patrons in their door. Why make it harder? The Warsaw leadership should be doing everything possible to help and encourage the success of existing business. This proposed ordinance does the exact opposite.

Having a sign ordinance requiring a permit for a temporary sign or requiring signs in good repair, seems fair. Signs prohibited on right-of-ways, on utility poles and on public fences, etc. are fair game, as well. But almost all of the other restrictions are unfair and anti-business. Astonishingly, even window signs are restricted. Under these proposed new rules, “Wally the Penguin” can no longer wave at passersby – something he has been doing for 40 years. There is a litany of unnecessary new rules that are hurtful to business.

These “way over the top” restrictions are items that we see in some liberal anti-capitalistic city, which obviously provided the model for this ordinance. I’m wondering who’s going to be the “sign Nazi” enforcing this injustice?

I urge our good intentioned, conservative, pro-business, city leaders to scrap this monstrosity. Go back to the drawing board, and come up with something that is far less restrictive and is fair to the existing business community and, additionally, is attractive to prospective businesses.

Mike Ragan

Warsaw