FELGER PUTS UP 'OPEN' SIGN

Tim Felger says he'll open his bookstore/political office in downtown
Abbotsford whether he gets a business licence from the city or not.

Since he first applied for a business licence in the summer of 2005,
Felger says he has been the recipient of 170 building and bylaw
inspections, 24 fire inspections and more than 100 police visits.

"I'm not only being singled out, but [City of Abbotsford officials]
are violating my freedom of expression," Felger said.

He is especially frustrated since last week, when he says the city's
secondary suite bylaw officer told him he was getting his business
licence, with a warning about the signs in his building's [Da Kine]
windows.

"He said I was approved - they printed it all up. The business licence
was for Tim Felger's political office and bookstore, doing business as
Da Kine, then they retracted it," Felger said.

As for the signs he has up in his windows, which list anti-prohibition
ideas, facts and research, Felger said he has the right to present
information - especially the kind that differs from the anti-harm
reduction and pro-prohibition "propaganda" he says is always readily
available in Abbotsford and the valley.

Plus, Felger pointed out, his signs are not permanent.

The city bylaw for window signs only mentions "permanent" window
signs.

Abbotsford director of development services Grant Acheson said
Thursday he has received a report "on the situation" and that he will
review the report.

"With that review, I expect to make a decision by Tuesday of next
week," he said.

Felger said either way, he will take the city to court because he has
complied with all of their wishes.

"Now I basically have to petition the court for my business licence.
[The city] is going to lose," he said.