City retaliates against brothers who want to grow Christmas trees

Officials warned them not to talk to reporters about fine for taking out scrub brush

By WND Staff Published September 9, 2019

It began with what appeared to be an overly aggressive Michigan township attack on two brothers trying to start a Christmas tree farm.  A fine of $450,000 was announced by the township of Canton against Gary and Matt Percy, who allegedly without permission cleared garbage and scrub brush off their small parcel with plans to plant trees. 

Then township officials warned them not to talk to reporters about the dispute or there would be a "fight." The brothers went to court, and "Canton made good on its threat," according the Texas Public Policy Network, which is working on the brothers' case.  Now, in a separate civil lawsuit in federal court, the Percys charge the city's complaints and notices of violation are due "to retaliation for the plaintiffs exercising their First Amendment rights."............To Read More.....

My Take - What I would be interested in is why these officials were so hot to go after these people in the first place.  As this investigation continues I'm willing to bet there are underlying corrupt financial issues will become exposed.  Otherwise they're using a atomic bomb to swat a fly.  This just doesn't make sense unless their is some underlying motive.