Vail's election signs probed

One Whitefish City Council candidate’s

signs are considered within the law, according to the office of the

state Commissioner of Political Practices.

Earlier this fall, a citizen addressed

the Whitefish School Board concerning Mary Vail’s campaign signs.

The citizen complained that the signs seemed to show Vail has the

endorsement of the school district because the signs use school

colors — green and gold — and have bulldog footprints on them.

In a letter to the school district, the

state office stated that a “candidate’s right to political speech

is protected and use of certain colors or art work is not

restricted within the codes under our jurisdiction.”

Superintendent Kate Orozco wrote a

letter to the Commissioner of Political Practices inquiring about

the issue.

“We can’t do anything,” Orozco said of

the state’s response. “(Candidates) can choose their colors and

unless we have a copyright on the paw print we’re out of luck.”