Our friend Charles O'Dell, active in almost all of the regional issues that affect us here on HPR, was found guilty today in Dripping Springs, of violating their ordinance against erecting signs in the right of way. See, Charles has been actively protesting at the Belterra development, where the developers are seeking a permit that would allow them to discharge wastewater (in "emergencies") into Bear Creek. So the developers, Makar Properties, bugged the City to issue Charles a citation. Today he was found guilty on one count and fined $500. About 10 supporters, including Hays County Commisioner Karen Ford, showed up as he was read his penalty. His lawyer indicated he believes they have grounds for a retrial, and failing that, they will appeal.
But that was Charles, making trouble. The signs below, are from nice companies that are the bedrock of the D.S. economy, and their kind of free speech is OK:
Honestly, if you know Charles, you know he's a gentle, persistent advocate for water quality. His lawyer wasn't admitting Charles erected any sign; but to single out any sign Charles might have put out with his sensible message calling attention to a topic of public interest, while ignoring the signs of the real estate developers that run things out here, used to be called "selective enforcement."
[Updated: mis-attributed roadside sign photos to Hanlon Skillman -- he says they are really by Charles]
[Update 2: changed photo ]
