Political signs sprouting

As elections near, political signs are cropping up along Marion streets.

But some have appeared a location that might raise questions.

City council candidate Zachary Collett posted signs on the lawn of the under-construction Marion County Resource Center and Food Bank.

“He asked if he could put one up and I said, sure,” said Gene Winkler, Marion Advancement Campaign treasurer and liaison for the food bank. “If they come and ask me, I would let them, except I’m not going to allow someone to put up two or three signs.”

Collett actually has two signs on the property.

The problem is, the food bank operates under the umbrella Marion Advancement Campaign, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Under Internal Revenue Service code, all 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for elective public office.

Violation could result in revocation of tax-exempt status.