The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

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October 26, 2012

No political intent in sign removal, fair board says

By Joe Pinchot Herald Staff Writer

STONEBORO — The law firm representing the Great Stoneboro Fair board issued a press release Thursday denying allegations levied by the Northeast Democrats of Mercer County that the removal of a billboard on fair property was politically motivated.

The Dems sued the fair board, its president, Ron Carkin, and its vice president, Donald Barbour. They also have asked for an injunction requiring the fair board to buy full-page ads in The Herald, Allied News and the Hubbard Press touting the Democratic message that was destined for the billboard.

The billboard was put up Aug. 30 along U.S. Route 62 and was intended to be seen by people going to the fair, but Barbour approached the group the next day and said it was on fair property and would be torn down, the Dems said.

The billboard was covered with burlap and Barbour threatened to have anyone who attempted to enter the area around the sign arrested for trespassing, the suit said. The billboard was torn down and dumped in woods, the Dems said.

In the press release, lawyer David Ristvey said the accusations in the lawsuit “lack validity,” and inferences that the board and its members were politically motivated “are simply unsound.”

The fair board had a “legitimate dispute” with the billboard company, General Outdoor Advertising, and decided to remove the billboard because it was in disrepair and the company was behind in lease payments, Ristvey said.

“The decision to remove the billboard was not politically motivated as the Northeast Democrats claimed and its removal was approved before the billboard ad went up,” Ristvey said.

Although the Dems allege Carkin and Barbour are Republicans, Ristvey said the board is made up of members from both parties and is nonpartisan.

“The fair does not discriminate with respect to political affiliation of vendors, visitors and patrons,” the board said.

The ad was to tout the candidacy of Missa Eaton, a Democrat trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who represents the 3rd District.

“The decision to remove the sign was not politically motivated and was not done to harm Miss Eaton,” the board said.

The fair “exists to provide family-friendly activities and entertainment,” the board said. “We never thought a problem with the advertising company would spark a heated political debate.”

The board will defend itself in the lawsuit, Ristvey said.

It was not immediately clear whether the press release was timed to coincide with the board’s official answers to the complaint and/or the injunction request. As of Wednesday, the board had not filed those responses.

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