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Sal Ferlazzo, Constantino’s attorney and general counsel for Sticker Mule, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling. “All I know is tonight the party is on and the lighting will occur and there is no court order prohibiting the lighting and display of the sign,” Ferlazzo stated. He emphasized that the city’s claims about the billboard distracting drivers were unfounded, further validating his client’s stance. He concluded, “It’s obviously a nice victory for Anthony and his team.”
However, the legal battle may not be over just yet. Amsterdam’s legal team has until October 18th to file additional paperwork after Judge Slezak highlighted clerical errors in the city’s filing, leaving the door open for further challenges.
The dispute began when Amsterdam’s Democratic mayor, Michael Cinquanti, filed a lawsuit against Constantino, claiming the billboard violated city zoning regulations. The mayor’s office argued that the billboard’s size and bright lights violated local ordinances and required a permit, which Constantino had allegedly not obtained. According to city officials, the sign posed a risk to drivers on highways 5 and 90, where traffic could be impacted by drivers slowing down to take photos.
The city’s code enforcement officer, Grant Egelston, claimed to have discovered the billboard hidden under a tarp at Constantino’s building. The city responded by issuing a “Notice of Violation and Order to Remedy,” arguing that the sign posed a serious distraction. Officials further argued that the billboard’s novelty could encourage people to stop their cars and take selfies, increasing the risk of accidents on the road.
Unfazed by the city’s claims, Constantino labeled the arguments as “a ridiculous argument by a Democratic politician,” asserting that his billboard is no different from the countless others across the nation. “People like beautiful signs, they are all over the country, and people know how to drive cars,” he told the media, standing firm on his right to display the sign.
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He went on to accuse Mayor Cinquanti and other local Democrats of attempting to suppress free speech, saying the battle over the billboard had become about much more than just a sign. “They want to get rid of free speech and censor America, and so the sign now signifies something even bigger than what I thought,” he said. “In America, I got a First Amendment right.”
Constantino, whose rally attracted minor pro-Trump figures, doubled down on his defense of the sign, calling it “a beautiful sign” that promotes “community enthusiasm,” regardless of political affiliation.
Constantino’s case has sparked a larger conversation about free speech, especially in politically charged environments. Supporters see the court’s ruling as a major victory, not just for Trump supporters, but for free speech advocates everywhere. In contrast, local officials continue to insist that their concerns are purely about safety and adherence to city codes, rather than any political agenda.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Constantino’s victory will stand or if Amsterdam officials will find another avenue to challenge the billboard. For now, however, the 100-foot-wide pro-Trump sign remains illuminated, casting a bright and bold reminder of the ongoing political divides in America.
