Rutherford County Property Assessor Bill Boner (R) claims opponent Rob Mitchell (D) is bending the facts. WGNS spoke with Boner, and he said that he removed all temporary signs from Jackson Heights Shopping Center in early June at the direction of the Murfreesboro Codes Department.

Mitchell filed a Criminal Summons at the sheriffs office against incumbent Bill Boner (R) alledging that he destroyed one of his election signs that was hung at Jackson Heights Shopping Center. The banner in question was allegedly on the east side of the complex, on a rail beside a rear exit of the theatre and near Boner's office.

When asked about Mitchell’s banner, Boner told WGNS News, “I had one of the shopping center employees take it down.” Reportedly, because Mitchell was not a tenant in Jackson Heights and it caused the facility to be in violation of the City Code’s letter that was issued in May.

City Codes Warned Center About TEMPORARY SIGNS

Boner told WGNS News, “On May 30, 2012, City Codes advised that there could only be three temporary signs at any one time on the property, and all others had to be removed.”

Boner noted that two-days were given for the signs to be removed. He said that he went to each tenant and explained the situation. It was decided that each tenant would request certain months to display “temporary signs” at the Northwest Broad Street complex.

Boner has served as a part-time manager of the shopping center for 30 or 40 years, as a result of friendship with the family who owns the facility. He has an office at the center, and told WGNS that he is on the tenant's calendar to display his signs during this political campaign.

Boner Claims This Is Bad Case of Sour Grapes

Boner said, “I’m the first Republican to hold this office, and knew from the beginning there would be trouble. I just didn’t know it would be this much. But no matter who wins, the state won’t let it go back to the way it was.” 

Boner and Mitchell "Live" on WGNS This Coming Friday Morning

With a related story, incumbent Property Assessor Bill Boner (R) and Rob Mitchell (D) have both been invited to be on the WGNS Action Line this coming Friday morning, July 20th from 8:10-9:00AM. This will be on FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, and at www.WGNSradio.com.