American Legion criticizes Winnsboro sign enforcement after gun show that drew about 800 people

Henry Densler, finance officer for American Legion Post 340, told the Winnsboro City Council during the public-comment period that a biannual gun show held last weekend drew “over 800 people” to Winnsboro but faced selective enforcement by city code officers.

Densler said the post paid a $1,000 fee this year after a new administration decided the organization was not entitled to a previously granted free show. “We gladly paid the fee,” he said, and added that the Post’s event revenue is used for charitable donations rather than “flush offices.” He told the council the Legion donates roughly “approximately $500 per month or more depending upon the need” to local charities such as food and clothing banks and other community organizations.

Densler said volunteers were told to remove fundraising signs that, in his view, were allowed under the city code provision for “outdoor advertising display signs for sponsors of charitable events held on public properties,” which he quoted as permitting such signs “for the duration of the event or not more than 3 days.” He added that the city’s website says a five-day allowance, but that code officers nonetheless required the signs be taken down. “We were told to take our signs down,” Densler said, adding, “I believe this is a case of selective enforcement.”

Densler also told the council he was introduced to “a gentleman who obviously is related to this group, who is the husband of the court enforcement officer,” and raised concerns that other signs around town — including a garage-sale sign on a utility pole at Broadway and Main Street — appeared to remain in place. He said similar shows held in nearby towns, including Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Mineola and others, did not face the same restrictions.

Densler asked the council for cooperation going forward. The council did not take action in response to the public comment during the meeting and simply thanked him for his remarks.

Later in the meeting, the council moved to adjourn to a closed session “in accordance with the Texas Government Code exception 551.087”; the presiding official directed the public to exit the room while the council convened the executive session at about 5:42 p.m.

The assertions in this article summarize the public comment made to the council; they reflect Mr. Densler’s account as stated at the meeting. No record in the transcript shows the council adopted any policy, granted an exemption, or issued a finding on the claims during the meeting.