ATHENS, Tenn. — Controversial graffiti written on the walls of a business in Athens led to heated debate at Thursday night’s city council meeting.
Glenn Whiting has added graffiti to the walls of his business for several years (although the building is owned by Liberty Property Services).
The graffiti has sentences using vulgar language and mentioning the Athens mayor and city attorney.
The city of Athens previously tried condemning the building, but Whiting sued the city.
When a jury sided with the city on the issue, Whiting then appealed that verdict, citing the first amendment.
A U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Whiting’s arguments are “without merit.”
Image: WTVC
But Whiting continued to add graffiti to the building, leading to the city filing a restraining order at the end of September.
Tensions were high at Thursday’s city council meeting as Whiting continued to criticize city officials.
He spoke about the fact that he was arrested on Tuesday.
Law enforcement charged him with false representation after her represented himself as a lawyer.
Image: WTVC
Whiting claims that arrest was politically motivated and tied to his ongoing lawsuit against the city.
“The mayor can break the rules, and we say, no problem, and we vote continually to support him, instead of saying these rules are for everybody. But that’s why it went up on the wall when they tell me that it’s okay, it’s not.”
Mayor Larry Eaton denies Whiting’s claims, saying the city has acted appropriately.
Image: WTVC
But during Thursday’s meeting, Councilman Dick Pelley argued that Whiting’s concerns should be taken seriously.
“Mr. Whiting has filed complaints as he alluded to here a few moments ago. I don’t care if you hate him, each complaint needs to be looked into, a report needs to be made seeing if there’s anything to it.”
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
The restraining order filed by the city requires that the graffiti on Whiting’s business be covered with weatherproof coverings for 30 days.
