‘Workers over billionaires’ banner draws scrutiny from Amenia Town Board

Correction: An earlier version of this article erroneously reported that Amenia resident Ken Topolsky supported hanging the banner at Amenia's Fountain Square. In fact, Topolsky opposed hanging large banners on public property. He spoke in support of the demonstrations in general, but cited his experience organizing Amenia's Harvest Festival and concerns over safety and liability as factors in his criticism.

AMENIA — A banner used during weekly political demonstrations in downtown Amenia has sparked debate over whether protesters can attach signs to town-owned lightpoles and other municipal property.

The issue came before the Town Board on Thursday, June 18, after protest organizer Kim Travis requested clarification on whether a banner reading “workers over billionaires” violates the town’s sign regulations.

Travis, who has organized regular anti-Trump demonstrations at Fountain Square since 2025, said Town Supervisor Rosanna Hamm contacted her before the meeting to say the banner was not permitted because it was secured to a town-owned light pole.

“Our temporary sign is exempt,” Travis told the board, arguing that the group removes the banner and other materials after each protest and does not damage public property. She said nylon rope is used to protect the painted surface of the lamp post.

Town Attorney Ian Lindars disagreed, saying town code prohibits attaching signs to municipal property. “I don’t agree with the interpretation of the code,” Lindars said, adding that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that lamp posts are not considered to be available for public use.

“You cannot tie signs to town property,” said Councilmember Nicole Ahearn.

Amenia’s Town Code regulates signs as part of the town’s zoning ordinance under chapter 121-39. Those regulations include a blanket ban on placing signs on “municipally owned property” without prior approval from the Town Board.

Hamm said her office did not receive formal complaints about the sign, but she had received phone calls and noticed complaints on FaceBook.

In response, Travis defended the sign and the weekly protest.

“We must all stand up,” Travis said, arguing that the protest is only for one hour.

Councilmember Walter Dietrich supported the usage of the banner, indicating that the protesters are not placing a permanent sign on the post.

Hamm recognized that the protesters nor the sign block the sidewalk or impede pedestrians. She indicated that she would like more time to consider the issue.

During public comment, resident Ken Topolsky spoke in support ofthe protests but called attention to liability and safety concerns that he said outweigh the benefits of large banners. Citing his experience organizing Amenia's Harvest Festival, he said he has concerns about large, temporary signs becoming dislodged and injuring others.

Resident Judy Moran said she was concerned about how sign regulations could be interpreted in the future if exceptions were made. However, she acknowledged the demonstrators had a right to use the space and exercise their free speech rights.

Lindars agreed that the board could delay a decision, and board members ultimately agreed to seek additional clarification on the sign regulations before taking any action.

“Nothing can be tied or attached to town property,” Ahearn reiterated.