Marcus Lemonis, star of CNBC’s so-named reality television show, had said Wednesday that he would go to jail before he’d remove an enormous flag that flies at an RV store in violation of Statesville, N.C.’s size ordinance. But later in the day, the city said in a news release that its leaders will consider a change that would allow the flag displayed at Gander RV along Interstate 77 to continue flying.
This story by Martha Waggoner appeared in The Journal Gazette.
Mayor Costi Kutteh said the matter should be resolved at the council’s meeting on July 15.
“I don’t think there should be any ordinance of any kind regulating the size of the American flag,” unless it poses a hazard, said Lemonis, CEO of Camping World.
The flag in question, which measures 40 feet by 80 feet on a 130-foot flagpole. Statesville had sued the company because city code limits flags to 25 feet by 40 feet.
Before the city’s change of heart, Lemonis had said that he understands that Gander RV isn’t complying with the city’s ordinance — but he said the flag would stay even if he’s jailed for contempt of court.
“I would prefer not to (go to jail),” Lemonis said. “It’s not a super-favorable outcome. But that’s how big a line in the sand this is for me.”
His attorneys still planned to file a response Thursday even though the city likely will change its ordinance, he said.
