Interview: Corey Largent Plans to Battle Silverton Over Alleged Selective Sign Code Enforcement

SILVERTON, Ore. — A Silverton homeowner’s large banners proclaiming “Silverton Loves Trump” and “Silverton Stands with Elon” have ignited a heated debate over free speech and local regulations in this small Oregon town, as seen in a YouTube video interview posted March 27.

Full interview with homeowner Corey Largent

Corey Largent defended his banners in the video, saying, “It’s my property, my right.” The banners, up since November 2024 and approximately 10 feet wide, violate Silverton’s sign code, which limits temporary signs in residential areas to 10 square feet and 30 days per year, according to a March 19 city letter. The city gave Largent until April 18 to comply or face removal, with a hearing option by April 3.

The dispute has divided Silverton. A Change.org petition to remove the banners has 177 signatures, while a counter-petition to keep them has 514. Tensions have escalated, with a protester holding a “Not My King” sign outside Largent’s home. A private Facebook chat revealed the mayor’s opposition to the banners, though the mayor stressed “due diligence” in enforcement.

The controversy has spread, with new anti-Trump banners appearing around town, including one reading “Trump Is a Traitor! Lock Him Up!” and another stating “F Trump.” These signs also likely violate the city’s code, raising questions about consistent enforcement.

Anti-Trump signs near Pioneer St. Silverton Oregon

Anti-Trump Sign on High St. Silverton Oregon

Largent’s case echoes Supreme Court rulings. In City of Ladue v. Gilleo (1994), the court struck down a near-total ban on residential signs, affirming residents’ rights to express themselves on their property. Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) ruled that content-based sign regulations face strict scrutiny, a standard Silverton’s content-neutral code may meet, though Largent could argue selective enforcement.

As for sign ordinance, the Council should have learned from the "Impeach G.W. Bush" sign saga I mentioned earlier (2005ish). Mayor Stu was in the minority in opposing that. As a result Chris Linn, (the "Port-Tacking Political Exhibitionist") and the ACLU sued the City and won on First Amendment Grounds. - Gus Frederick

The city must now navigate a growing challenge, balancing free speech with uniform code enforcement as Silverton’s political divide plays out in public view.

Signage that has been up for more than 30 days, Edustaff sign is falling off of the fence.

In a phone call with the cities Community Development Director, Jason Gottgetreu, the city signage code is enforced through complaints. In the interview Largent claims he has made complaints about other signs and banners, with the Development Director saying "there is nothing he can do" based on the supreme court decision laid out in the article. My stance is either let him keep it up or take them all down. According to everything I gathered, it seems to be the content of the signs based on the protests, private conversation with the mayor, and the complaint of a select few. -Derek

As always I enjoy the conversation, give me a follow at Derek2Earth on Facebook.