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Sign of
the times
By Charlie Spiering
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Candidate J.C. Welch was first out of the box this summer, staking highly visible signs throughout the county to announce his election bid for sheriff ’
Welch's campaign is also the first to draw controversy, as some Rappahannock citizens have questioned the legality of his billboard campaign signs, and believe that Welch is ignoring a county ordinance.
The ordinance restricts county citizens from posting political signs until 90 days before the election. Welch's signs have been erected nearly six months prior to the election in November.
In a recent interview; Welch stated that he contacted County Administrator John McCarthy prior to posting his signs and learned that the ordinance would not be enforced this year.
McCarthy confirmed that his decision was based on a recent Virginia Supreme Court Ruling on ordinances limiting the use of campaign signs.
Recent court rulings state that political campaign signs on private property are protected by the First Amendment.
According to McCarthy. County Attorney Pfeter Luke had advised that any challenge to the county's ordinance would probably not stand up in court. Luke is currently on vacation and was unavailable for comments on this issue.
The race begins
According to Nancy Newhn, the County Registrar of Voters, Welch has filed the necessary papers quah
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