It's about time. The owner of Felony Franks, a hot dog stand on the west Side, has filed a federal suit against the City of Chicago for denying his free speech rights. The suit seeks $300,000. in damages. The city bureaucrats, bowing to the orders of Alderman Bob Fioretti, refused to issue a permit for a sign.
The owner, Jim Andrews, has been battling Fioretti over the name of the business. Fioretti, the final arbiter of taste in the 2nd Ward, has steadfastly refused to have a sign permit issued. Fioretti does not like the name "Felony Franks". He claims it is distasteful and disrespectful. Fioretti also introduced an ordinance to ban "right of way" signs in the area- signs that hang over sidewalks.
Fioretti proves everyday Chicago aldermen run the "Greatest Show on Earth". A circus full of clowns.
Jim Andrews opened his crime themed hot dog stand over two years ago. He hires ex-offenders to work there. The reason for opening the business was altruistic. Since hot dog stands are profitable, he thought he could make a few bucks while helping people at the same time. Helping people who need help is encouraged in our society.
Andrews did not need the money. He owns another successful business. He just saw a chance to help people while making a few bucks in the food business. He provides cheap eats with cute criminal or prison themed names. He hires people who cannot be hired. This was not about greed.
Even though the Chicago Department of Law had warned there may be 1st and 14th Constitutional Amendment violations, Fioretti and the bureaucrats who take orders, have refused to issue a permit or give a legitimate reason for their refusal. The only reason Fioretti gives is the name, Felony Franks, is in bad taste.
Maybe Fioretti should spend more time in the area. He might learn something. The people do not care about the name. They like the name. He might also learn that almost 50% of the male population in the area are ex-offenders. If he was awake and paying attention.
Bob Fioretti brags about his civil rights street cred. Yet, here he is, an elected official who is supposed to protect civil rights, using the might and power of his office and city bureaucracy to violate them in the name of good taste. He should try a hot dog or sandwich there. He might learn what good taste is all about.
Aldermen have used their muscle in the past for similar issues of taste. Usually they won because businesses do not want to be harassed by inspectors sent by the aldermen. Jim Andrews is no coward and he will not be cowed by a mere Alderman.
Is this a fight Alderman Fioretti really wants to take on? Hopefully Andrews wins. It is about time the City that works, and the Aldermen that don't, learn an important lesson.
If local residents actually thought that Felony Franks at 229 South Western In Chicago was a bad example for the local community, then why have they kept financially supporting the business and the ex-felon workers for the past two years without the benefit of a sign outside the business.?
The ongoing debate over whether Felony Franks can post an outside sign has done more local and national promotion for the business that the business itself. Once again, 2nd Ward Alderman Fioretti's opposition has gotten Felony Franks more media coverage that promotes the business, the owner Jim Andrews, and the proud ex-felons who are usine their "second chance" making a legitimate income by working at Felony Franks and not in an illegal environment that would send them back to jail.
For over two years now, customers have financially supported Felony Franks and the ex-felon workers without any banner sign outside the establishment. The ongoing public relations debate may end up costing the alleged cash strapped City of Chicago yet another $300,000, but for now, the ongoing debate over the sign and its local and national media coverage is doing more promotion and marketing for Felony Franks and generating new customers than the sign itself would have done.
Final thought, WHY would the city stop a business from posting a sign on a business that the city granted its name and licence to operate in the first place. Can this cash strapped city afford $300,000 from the federal lawsuit. Will Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman Fioretti be praised for standing his ground or blamed for putting the city another $300,000 in the hole as a result of the federal lawsuit.?