The CEO of Camping World paid a visit to Statesville on Thursday to address the ongoing controversy over a flag flying over one of his businesses that the city says is too large.
It’s become a battle of patriotism versus law. The massive 40 by 80 foot flag flying over Gander RV off Interstate-77 violates the city’s ordinance which limits flags to 25 by 40 feet.
Marcus Lemonis has made it clear that he’s not backing down on the issues, and is obstinate about keeping the flag up.
“Bottom line is the flag’s not coming down,” he said on Wednesday, speaking to Statesville neighbors. “Give me a reason why this compromises the health, wellness or safety.”
Florida city says new GOP-backed DEI law blocks St. Patrick’s parade, Pride event
GOP senator says Republicans can ‘forget 2028’ as party looks to reclaim Upper Chamber
DNA Links Grizzly Bear Mom and Her Cubs to Fatal Mother-Daughter Mauling – All 4 Bears Hunted Down and Killed
Cape-Wearing Leftist Arrested at Texas University for Allegedly Striking 3 with Cane at TPUSA Event
Suspected DUI driver arrested on 3 murder counts after deadly North Hollywood crash, police say
Twice-deported United cockpit suspect granted asylum after transgender persecution claim: DHS
As Ilhan Omar Gloats Over Islamic Wins, Idaho Muslim Sentenced for Plot to Massacre Christians with Explosives, Knives, Firearms
Illegal immigrant arrested after dragging, striking ICE officer in Chicago suburb: DHS
Jeffries leaves door open to investigating major Trump ally as Democrats prepare to take power
ESPN’s Rex Ryan Jailed, Accused of Hitting 2 with His Truck and Fleeing the Scene
Hakeem Jeffries faces progressive holdouts but no rival as House speaker race takes shape
Watch: Tentacled UFO Caught on Wild Viral Video and Reported Near Military, But the Possible Truth May Disappoint
At least 9 new Dem members will carry Al Green’s mantle and try to impeach President Trump
At least 10 new Dem members will carry Al Green’s mantle and try to impeach President Trump
House Freedom Caucus Member Unloads on Fellow Republicans After Midterm Debacle: ‘Nobody Listened to Us!’
The city says they’ve been trying to contact Lemonis to work toward a solution, but that they never heard back. City Manager Ron Smith said the CEO’s didn’t even contact them about their visit to Statesville.
“He put a lot of pressure on us but our uniform development ordinance allows for text amendments at any time,” Mayor Costi Kutteh told media partner WSIC.
Since October, owner Marcus Lemonis has been fined $50 a day costing more than $11,000 so far, but he refuses to take the flag down.
“I really just comes down to, in my opinion, bureaucrats trying to control the size of something,” Lemonis said in a phone interview with FOX 46.
The city filed a lawsuit against the company but now appears to be backing down. Kutteh has asked the city planning board to draft a text amendment to the ordinance, calling it a good compromise.
“While we may have preferred that he come forward and make the request we’re entitled to do that, our staff does that on their own volition and often times the city council requests that,” Kutteh said.
He says the fight against Gander RV is starting to affect local businesses. City employees have been inundated with calls and emails about the flag some were even threatened. Kutteh says it’s time to put a stop to it.
“We don’t have anything against him or his company but we do not appreciate the way some of the comments that some of the folks that have contacted us have behaved and it’s very distasteful.”
Lemonis says his attorneys have told him that noncompliance with the lawsuit filed against him could result in being held in contempt of court. Lemonis says he’s willing to risk it all over the issue.
“I’m willing to go to the end on this issue. I’m willing to go to jail over it,” he said.
He says he also wants some clarification on what the city’s proposed amendment means.
“Is the city withdrawing the lawsuit? Are they filing the amendment or leaving the lawsuit? We’re a little unclear,” Lemonis said.
Kutteh says it would allow the flag to fly freely, but did not say what it would mean in terms of the fines that have already been issued.
“We would eliminate the injunction against flying the flag, but there’s been no direction on the lawsuit in terms of money damages,” he said.
