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When an ugly black sandwich board sign advertising guns and ammunition (“Gun seller should be able to advertise with no harrassment,” Jan. 6) disappeared from the corner of the main intersection in Vashon, my wife and I debated whether it was in response to the type of merchandise being purveyed or an act of public service in the interest of aesthetics not unlike the one performed by people who walk their dogs when they use a plastic sack to remove from the sidewalk their canine companion’s calling card. If the latter, it’s unlikely anyone would take issue with this gesture toward beautification.

Regardless of how one feels about the goods being touted, we find it difficult to imagine anyone disputing the fact that the sign is a crude, amateurish eyesore that degrades the overall character and quality of the village. There are appropriate places to advertise one’s business, such as in print media or an attractive sign within the permitted distance from one’s shop.

Perhaps I should claim my right as a citizen to live in an attractive place with my sidewalks free of unsightly impediments. However, there is a more specific reason for the sign’s removal. King County Bulletin 20A, Department of Permitting and Environmental Review, page three, under the list of “prohibited signs,” specifically mentions “portable signs such as sandwich/A-frame signs” not directly adjacent to the place of business. If there is permit, it would be a service if The Beachcomber would look into the matter and affirm its existence. If there is no permit, then the lawless behavior that prompted its placement should be condemned by the entire community.

— Charles L. Nagel, MD