Replies

Protester-turned-politician must rid his roof of toilets

10/6/2003

MONACA, Pa. (AP) -- A protester-turned-politican says town officials are trying to flush his campaign by claiming the toilets he's displayed on his home the past four years are a health hazard.

Officials in Monaca, about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, last week sent Tom Suica a letter telling him the 10 commodes on the roof of his garage had to come down because they could be a breeding ground for mosquitos and West Nile virus.

Suica, a plumber and Democratic candidate for councilman in the borough of 6,300, claims efforts to get rid of the toilets have more to do with politics than public safety.

"West Nile? Don't you think that's a little much?" Suica said.

The borough soon rescinded its request that the commodes come down after discovering Suica taped the bowls to keep water out.

Suica began his potty protest in 1999 to stop a bank from building a parking lot next to his home. Suica said the toilets symbolize his view that his neighborhood should remain residential.

Suica has successfully argued in court that the toilets are an expression of his free speech and decorations. He routinely embellishes them on holidays -- mounting antlers on them at Christmas, hearts and cupids on Valentine's Day, leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day and patriotic decorations on Memorial Day.