Pro-Trump Yard Display Stokes Controversy In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA — Passions always run high during presidential elections and 2020 has been no exception. But in one Hatboro neighborhood, at least some residents are complaining about a neighbor they say has gone too far.

On Central Avenue, the yard in front of one home has been covered with an array of signs supporting President Donald Trump — and opposing his political rivals, the media and others — for the better part of the past four years, according to neighbors.

"We the people are tired of the dirty Demo-rats policies," reads one of the hand-painted signs on display recently. "The news media is just as bad. Liars. Idiots. Bad people. The best is yet to come."

It's all too much for Marianne McGowan, who lives across the street from the home.

"My husband and I have been looking at these signs for four years ... ," said McGowan, who has complained to Hatboro Borough about the display. "I do believe in freedom of speech and don't object to typical printed signs, but these are hand-painted signs denigrating particular folks."

Richard Gottshall, who lives at the address, did not respond Wednesday to phone and online messages from Patch seeking comment for this story.

Hatboro officials say they have spoken to Gottshall about the signs but, at the end of the day, his First Amendment right to free speech protects them.

"Our small community is diverse and there are many Biden signs as there are Trump signs," said Borough Manager Diane Hegele. "People are passionate about this election and have their right to do so under their right to free speech. Residents are entitled to their constitutional rights and the borough code cannot supersede those rights."

Hegele said the borough's fire marshal spoke to Gottshall once when one of his signs used profanity.

"He complied and removed, however, as a result of that visit, he added additional signs," she said.

According to the borough's sign ordinance, political signs are supposed to be put up no more than 90 days prior to an election and taken down 10 days after an election.

The ordinance also says no temporary sign may be illuminated. A photo shared by McGowan shows at least one sign on Gottshall's property with lights strung around it.

In a Feb. 28 letter to McGowan, Hegele said the borough solicitor reviewed the situation and recommended no action be taken. Mayor Nancy Guenst also told Patch the signs are protected by constitutional free-speech rights.

With the presidential election just over a month away, McGowan said she's considering other ways to address the situation.

"The borough is worried about liability for a First Amendment lawsuit, but this isn’t about that," she said. "The size, kind, number, language on signs and length of time they have been on Mr. Gottshall’s lawn violate Hatboro codes. He drives around the borough with a huge sign on a trailer attached to his truck. I have no issues with pre-printed signs and flags that follow the codes for either party."