21-only group alleges ‘massive yard sign theft operation’

The group campaigning in support of Iowa City's 21-only ordinance says more than 100 of their yard signs were stolen this weekend.

“A massive yard sign theft operation” occurred sometime between Saturday night and early Saturday morning, said Nick Westergaard, campaign manager of 21 Makes Sense. He accused “some opponents” of the ordinance of stealing the signs.

Matt Pfaltzgraf, campaign manager for the anti-21-only group Yes to Entertaining Students Safely, which is focusing on the student vote, said he did not know of anyone who is against the ordinance who had stolen yard signs. His group also is working closely with the Iowa City Safety Committee, another organization opposed to the law.

“They (21 Makes Sense) are obviously getting nervous when they see thousands of people turning out,” he said, referring to the large number of students who have already cast ballots in early voting.

Westergaard countered that it may be opponents of 21-only who are nervous because, in his words, the law is clearly working. Police statistics have shown a drop in things like assaults and public intoxication citations since the law went into effect.

It's not uncommon for campaigns to report that yard signs have gone missing, something both Westergaard and Pfaltzgraf acknowledged. But Westergaard said the number taken this past weekend was too widespread to be a prank.

Westergaard said no one has filed a police report over the missing signs. He said 21 Makes Sense will replace the signs.

The election is Nov. 2. Iowa City voters are being asked whether to repeal the 21-only law, which prevents people younger than 21 from being in bars at night.