Looking at the writing on the wall

Posted on 17 January 2008

NEWS RELEASE - 17 January 2008 - The Wellingtonian.

 

 Wellingtons deputy mayor Ian Mckinnon holds a special dislike for taggin. "Its visual pollution and property vandalism and should not be tolerated at the any time.

"Its offensive and has a cost that others have to meet - other than the taggers."

He accepts that there can be some "quite interesting art" under the auspices of graffiti and says if it is lawfully placed "I have no difficultly with it". He refers to some construction sites where graffiti art is painted on the fences or sides of buildings to deter taggers.

"I think that stands a better chance of working. Taggers still do their work but not as frequently."

My concern is that some people believe that is akin to freedom of expression and it might be that but its totally unacceptable because freedom of expression must always be coupled with a sensitivity to others.

I have constituents in my ward [Lambton] who have real pride in their inner city flats and have to repaint walls just about every weekend because of tagging and obscenities.

If taggers are caught they should have to pay compensation in addition to some sort of penalty. "Tagging is property vandalism. So is smashing windows... whats the difference?. Repeat taggers should get custodial sentences