By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council Tuesday showed strong opposition to Irmo Mayor Barry Walker’s stance against a community homeowner’s association rule that prohibits political signs in residential neighborhoods more than 30 days before an election.
The disconnect between the council and mayor was apparent when Walker failed to show up for Tuesday’s meeting, which was called to address the issue.
Council members made it clear during the meeting that the town of Irmo does not oppose HOA rules on signage, regardless of what the mayor is saying.
“At the end of the day, the council should not be telling HOAs what to do,” Councilman Bill Danielson said in an interview with the Irmo News after the meeting.
Walker has campaign signs up all around his Harbison neighborhood. He said he handed out lawn signs to his supporters when the filing opened Aug. 16
Several residents who spoke out during the meeting expressed the view that it was not an issue for the town of Irmo to address.
“Let the Harbison Community address the issue,” said one resident. “What is needed is civil discourse.”
Resident Wade Deloach told the council: “None of you have to do anything. Don’t turn the town into an HOA.”
Marie Hutchison of The Harbison Community Association pointed out that the 30-day permit period allowing the signs is now in effect, so there’s no point in continuing the debate.
Another Harbison resident, Benji Friday, said she has voted for Walker in past elections “but during his current campaign he is dividing the town.”
Walker contends that it’s a violation of his freedom of speech rights to prohibit posting election signs. If the HOA is adopting any regulations related to election signs, it should first notify all residents of changes, he said.
He asserts that state laws govern actions regarding elections, not HOAs.
But during Tuesday’s meeting, the town’s attorney said the local Homeowners Association does have the right to adopt rules and covenants that regulate activities in the community, including signs on residential properties.
Councilman Erik Sickinger, who is seeking re-election to the council, said he has no problems with sign regulations. He said he was asked by a resident to take down one of his signs, which he did immediately.
The Irmo News attempted to reach Walker, but he did not respond to a request for comment.
Town officials did not receive any notification that Walker would not be attending Tuesday’s meeting.
The turmoil comes as the November elections are approaching.
Walker, who was elected mayor in 2019, is seeking another term. He has served on the council since 2004. Danielson, who has served on the council since 2020, has also filed for the mayor’s seat.
