Let's keep things funky in Haymarket

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Those who think that a quirky poster on a light pole or colorful sidewalk chalk drawing adds zest to urban life understandably are shaking their heads over recent attempts to rev up a crackdown.

Don’t municipal authorities have more important things to worry about?

Apparently not.

Because of the sidewalk drawings, Peggy Gomez was ticketed for advertising without a license.

People need a license for that?

Yikes!

Better check with the proper authorities before the next garage sale.

Gomez had been attracting people to the little Tugboat Gallery, in the alley behind 1028 O St., using sidewalk chalk.

She and two friends opened the gallery to give artists a space to display their work. Nothing is for sale, and Gomez doesn’t make money off the arrangement. “We basically are giving artists a wall space to present their work,” she said.

Gomez was snared after a complaint that she was using spray paint on the sidewalk. That wasn’t true. But the legal machinery already had ground into action and apparently was difficult to stop. A police officer decided against a citation for vandalism but went ahead with the different ticket.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City Council member Jon Camp wants to expand penalties for people who tape posters to light poles.

The posters are popular in the Haymarket District, where Camp owns property.

Often the posters advertise a local band scheduled to appear at a nearby bar or an upcoming local stage production. Apparently, sometimes a sponsor also might put up a poster for a big-name show at Pershing Auditorium.

Camp’s proposal concerns Pershing officials — it would make them liable if posters advertising events there are posted illegally. Pranksters already have recognized a new opportunity for political devilment: Just plaster opponents’ fliers on poles to get them in trouble with the law.

Camp has a point, of course. When the posters aren’t removed, they quickly become faded and torn. Instead of adding a festive touch, they make the district look shabby.

But surely there is a better solution to these minor problems than adding to law-enforcement burdens.

Camp wisely has agreed to table his original proposal so other ideas can be considered.

Referring to sidewalk chalk, City Council member Annette McRoy said she would see “if there’s something we can tweak so they can do it legally.”

City officials should follow McRoy’s lead and keep these issues in perspective.

Sidewalk art and zany posters add charm to a stroll through the Haymarket. If authorities succeed in getting rid of the funkiness, the district just won’t be as much fun.