Attention ex-Libertyvillians

I've only skimmed this Daily Herald article, but I'm already torn about what to think.

Flying the flag is an American tradition. But in Libertyville, the question is how high the stars and stripes should be allowed to wave.

Village trustees, an admittedly patriotic bunch, find themselves in a vexing spot. Roch Tranel wants to install an 80-foot pole in front of his Milwaukee Avenue business to hold a huge 20-by-30-foot American flag.

A Wisconsin farm boy who as a youth was touched by anything relating to the flag, Tranel says he has a genuine sense of pride and confidence he wants to share with the community.

"My intentions are pure - to make Libertyville feel good every day," he said.

He hasn't bought the flag yet but is willing to spend $20,000 to acquire and install it, complete with metal halide lighting.

Village code is silent on the matter, so the village staff suggested the pole be limited to 45 feet, the maximum allowable building height in a commercial area. Tranel, who never considered a shorter pole, wants a change in zoning so he can proceed.

The plan commission this month voted 5-2 against the request, saying the height is unnecessary and such a tall pole and large flag would be a distraction to drivers.

The matter made its way to the village board Tuesday, where after delivering an apple pie to symbolize traditional values, local attorney Terry Weppler stated the case.

"How do you argue the right of someone to display a large American flag?" he asked.

"Instead of looking at this proposal and asking 'Why?' why not look at it and ask, 'Why not?'"

Well, what do you think? It certainly would be a landmark. But... would it be too much?