Tools

New Business Stirs up Political Debate

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Oct 26, 2012 at 7:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 26, 2012 at 9:19 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Del Taco will be opening in January on Highway 6 and 50. However, plastered on the building right now isn't the Del Taco logo, but it's a Romney-Ryan campaign poster. Some residents are complaining, saying that business and politics should not be combined.

Although the Del Taco corporation doesn't endorse a candidate, the owners of the Grand Junction franchise aren't shying away from expressing their political views.

H.B. Mason, operations partner of the local Del Taco franchise, said, "We as small business owners, we own this property, we own the building. We support Romney and Ryan because they believe in the small business."

Mason says he's standing firm on his decision to broadcast his political views at his place of business.

"We do live in America; we are not a socialist community. We are a free market; we are allowed to do what we want. There are limits to things that we do, but to go up and support a man who believes in the small business, believes in us, wants to help us grow, I want to go out there and support him," Mason said.

Some residents are questioning that move.

Laura Wachler, a concerned citizen, said, "Everybody has the right to vote for whomever they choose. I have no qualms with that. What I do have a problem with is mixing business and politics."

Wachler says her money will be better spent somewhere else.

"By disenfranchising possibly 50 percent of your customer base by putting something like that seems odd in my opinion, and I'll tell you, if it were Obama posters up there I would be saying the same thing," Wachler said.


Find KREX NewsChannel5 on Facebook here, and voice your opinion on the debate.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

DeDe said on Monday, Oct 29 at 9:22 AM

This is still America (I think)...Freedom of speech still exists. I will be sure to show my support to any business owner who has the guts to stand up for what they believe in. Best of luck!

Kelly said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 5:44 PM

Proud of you, H.B. Whether you're rooting for Obama or Romney, you have every right to express your opinion. The naysayers (wah, wah, wah, I'm not gonna eat there, etc.) won't make a dent in your business as the ones who think you have every right to express your opinion (yes, even as a business owner--sorry, but this is still America)will make up for them. Their loss, anyways--Del Taco rocks!

paul said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 3:03 PM

I know Mr. Mason very well. He is a good guy and will do a lot of good for the area. Romney Ryan all the way!!

Gordon said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 1:37 PM

I think it's great that a person has the intestinal fortitude to speak or display his feelings, especially on this upcoming election. I have lived in Texas, California, Utah and Idaho, and have seen all kinds of advertisements- some not polite, some obscene. In the late 60's the Governor of California allowed freedom of speech to extend beyond reason "eyes of the beholder", and each year the morals of society get worse and worse. For this young entrepreneur to express his views is commendable. I feel that the "concerned citizen" should look around the areas. Vote signs are everywhere, on other people's property with consent or without- attached to poles erected for power, phones or street lights, which normally do not give permission to put signs on, but they are there. Disenfranchising possibly 50 percent of potential customers? I doubt that! As for me, when I visit Grand Junction, I will make it a priority to stop at this Del Taco! An AMERICAN CITIZEN currently living in Idaho.

Respect said on Sunday, Oct 28 at 9:08 AM

Why did KREX iven bother with this. Now we have separation of business and politics. People are just looking for something to be angry about and the newsmedia adds fuel to the fire. Lets show some respect of others.

Lynnette said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 9:01 PM

Thank goodness people who take the risk of opening a business have the backbone to stand up and cheer for Romney. Freedom of speech mean anything to anyone? I live in Delta and I am going to Del Taco Weekly! Great way to Start the New Year!! Lets have a party at Del Taco as Barrack Hussein Obama LEAVES Washington...I love Mr. Mason, Stand Strong, Finish Strong

harley said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 4:26 PM

Probably wouldn't have been such a ruckus if it had been an Obama poster ...

Anonymous said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 12:26 PM

Didn't chick fil-a make record profits by voicing their opinion? It is clear that statist democrats are in the minority. It's not like the democrats threats to boycott will hurt, unless del taco accepts WIC.

Kyle said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 11:11 AM

I believe it is their right. I am voting for Obama. I don't care what they say. If they are stupid enough to alienate people, let them. I was looking forward to this, as Del Taco is very popular in California. I was excited about this. With their clever little sign, they lost my business forever. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Good luck Mr. Mason.. wow. Way to sabotage yourself before you even open.

Joanne said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 9:27 AM

My favorite fastfood place Chick-Fil-A..Can't wait to try a new taco place...It's their business they can put what ever they want up..All I know America needs a change...

Floyd said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 8:55 AM

I like the sign on the dart store on North Ave. accross from Walmart. Obama knows nothing about small business, simply because they aren't union. Small business has been the back bone of this nation, the dems want to destroy small business. I will eat at Del Taco frequently, the owner is an American who believes in his first amendment rights. Those who don't agree with our first amendment rights are typically, democrat.

Daniel said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 6:53 AM

"Some residents are complaining, saying that business and politics should not be combined." Really? Business, politics, culture, and religion all go hand-in-hand.

BC Anselmo said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 4:27 AM

The business owners own the property, they can post what ever they want. If they like to show their support for a political party, that is their business and freedom of speech to do so. For me it makes no difference whether it would have been a Romney or Obama sign. Let the business owners have a say in who they love. After all wouldn't you put a sign on your house or property showing who you care for?

pat said on Saturday, Oct 27 at 12:28 AM

who cares? Del Taco rocks! lets eat some more fast food that makes americans fat!

A paying customer said on Friday, Oct 26 at 11:22 PM

Can hardly wait till they open. Will be a regular patron of this establishment. Thanks Mr Mason!

Ryan said on Friday, Oct 26 at 10:54 PM

You really gotta question the overall intelligence of someone who actually believes any presidential candidate cares about them, and is out to 'help' the small guy.

louie said on Friday, Oct 26 at 10:19 PM

follow up story should be the empty buisness in Fruita on Aspen st ,the windows are covered with Obama / Biden signs!! do we see the big picture.

phyllis said on Friday, Oct 26 at 10:13 PM

who really cares.If this was such a big bad thing, then people need to get those signs out of their yards. They are an eyesore. you don't like it, don't look.It is your choice not to frequent the business but we all have our own opinions. Leave the guy alone and find something else to fight about.

concerned said on Friday, Oct 26 at 9:52 PM

What about the billboard companies, are they allowed to put up political signs. They are small businesses. I bet this Walcher chick is in the tank for the bam.

Lee said on Friday, Oct 26 at 8:39 PM

Isn't the majority of contributions to political campaigns from businesses?

SCharlie said on Friday, Oct 26 at 8:38 PM

Their business they can do what they want..Kinda like the one who refused Romney in Denver.If you don't like it don't look!! Going to be a great place to eat.

Dan said on Friday, Oct 26 at 8:31 PM

Well a mexican resturant in Denver denied serving Romney..Actually like Taco Rio sign...

wally said on Friday, Oct 26 at 8:24 PM

Right on!,I agree.Small business needs a voice during these troubling times!!!!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather