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A mural of President Donald Trump on the side of a privately owned building in Boone right next to the city’s new green space has elicited reactions from residents, including some members of the city government.
“I just thought it was going to be pretty divisive and that’s what it turned out to be — pretty divisive,” said city councilman Terry Moorman in an interview with KCCI. “Wrong place for it, maybe.”
Elijah Stines, another councilman, said it was an unexpected surprise. Stines said residents were telling him it’s not appropriate to have in that space.
Moorman said he’s been asked if he’ll refund money to people who donated for the green space project.
Carl McKnight, a Boone realtor and landlord who owns the building, commissioned the mural, according to KCCI.
“It’s just a campaign sign,” he said. “It’s nothing more than a campaign sign. I mean, people get offended fro the most crazy reasons, and they’re going to get offended. I don’t think it’s any different than putting a sign in your front yard.”
Earlier on Monday, Moorman posted on Facebook that the green space committee did not have anything to do with the situation. Neither did the city council, he said.
“This is a privately owned building so the owner has the right to do what he/she chooses,” he wrote. “While the band shelter will obscure the drawing somewhat, some of it will be visible. Please do not hold the business currently occupying that building responsible or the green space for that matter. While I understand they have a right to freedom of speech and expression, I will check into our options going forward.”
Moorman later clarified that he never said anything about it being removed, just that he would check into easements going forward to avoid these situations in the future.
The Iowa Standard is a free online news source so we can reach as many people as possible. But we need to raise money! We are asking our readers to help support us as a news alternative entering 2020. If you could, please consider showing a sign of support to The Iowa Standard by making a contribution here. Or, you can use Venmo and make a contribution to @Iowa-Standard-2018.
You could also send a check to:
PO Box 112
Sioux Center, IA 51250
