Flag controversy turns neighbor against neighbor in a Macedonia community

MACEDONIA, Ohio - Controversy over the display of Old Glory is turning neighbor against neighbor in a Macedonia community.

Fred Quigley is taking heat from the Villas Tarimina homeowners association after erecting a flag pole in his front yard.

On Wednesday, the local VFW post joined the fight and raised the stars and stripes on the pole in protest.

The fight has sparked a nationwide debate over the rights of homeowners associations and the rights of private citizens who agree to be members of them.

Quigley believes the rules do not expressly prohibit flag poles and violate his rights under state and federal law.

"The state law says that an association can not prohibit the placing of a flag on a on pole," Quigley said.

Developer Joseph Miglorini said Quigley signed a contract to obey the rules of the association, including an approval process that denied his request for a flag pole.

"I have a fiduciary obligation to each and every resident that lives in here, including Mr. Quigley, to make sure the rules and the regulations are followed," Miglorini said.

Miglorini said he offered to put up two flag poles near the front entrance of the community as a compromise.

The association allows for the display of the flag in holders mounted to wood on the house.

Quigley questioned whether that rule was clear.

"There is no wood on that house. That's composite board," Quigley said.

Both sides planned to sort out the disagreement in court. Until then, Quigley vowed the stars and stripes will continue to wave atop the flag pole.

"I'm standing up for the principals and values of this country," Quigley said.