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City Council Not Fans of Anti-Graffiti Ordinance
Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza says he's trying to fend off what he feels is a growing problem in the city, but most Galesburg aldermen don't feel he's going about it the right way.

It wasn't even scheduled for a vote, but aldermen Monday night debated at length the mayor's proposed ordinance that would impose strict fines on those who commit acts of graffiti, and provide help to businesses that need it removed from their buildings.

But those were the least of the city council's problems with the ordinance.

For one, seventh ward alderman Jeremy Karlin, an attorney, says having such an ordinance might make it harder to enforce another law already in the books: Criminal Damage to Property.

"If we prosecute someone for violating our city ordinance for putting graffiti on a property, are we preventing the state's attorney office from then prosecuting that individual for crimnal damage to property?"

Aldermen also took issue with a facet of the ordinance requiring those who sell spray paint to post signage warning of the consequences of what's also called "tagging."

One alderman, though, says the ordinance is a good one, would make the public more observant, and could even encourage parental responsibility.

The ordinance could be back for a vote in two weeks.
08 02 11 by Newsroom
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