Colin Paulsen suing city of Watertown over political campaign signs of his opponent

June 16, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–KWAT News has learned Watertown City Councilman Colin Paulsen is suing the city he represents following his Republican Senate Primary loss earlier this month.

The civil lawsuit alleges the city did not enforce its sign ordinance in allowing several large signs by Paulsen’s opponent, State Senator Lee Schoenbeck, to be placed at various locations around the city.

Watertown’s city ordinance says signage cannot be more than six square feet in size.

He also alleges signs were illegally placed in the right of way.

Paulsen is seeking nearly $47,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

In this month’s Senate District 5 Republican Primary, Schoenbeck defeated Paulsen by 538 votes (1,808-1,270).

Watertown City Attorney Matt Roby tells KWAT News, “we will be reviewing the matter with outside counsel, and have no further comment at this time.”