“That expression is no different than a city employee or a newspaper employee or a university employee having a bumper sticker on their car,” said Ron Scott, city manager. “It’s a protected right.”

Scott said the flag flying on the crane at the construction site of the Danville water treatment plant was brought to his attention “several” weeks ago and he took the issue to the city attorney.

Ben Kleppinger/ben.kleppinger@amnews.comConstruction workers talk in and next to a crane that displays a flag supporting Donald Trump at the Danville water treatment facility Monday.

“That right of the construction owner, operator, to express his opinion was covered by the First Amendment. Nothing in our contract precluded that action,” he said. “If it were even in our contract, it would probably be considered prior restraint and not constitutional.”

Only a few people — Scott thought three — have contacted him regarding the flag.

He stressed that the flag does not represent the opinions of the city.

“The City of Danville, as a non-partisan government, doesn’t endorse either party in national, state or local races,” Scott said.

“I did look into it. It’s erroneous to conclude that it’s flying there … represents anyone’s opinion other than the city worker. I would think the people in this community would appreciate the protection provided by the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution,” he said. “It will cause people to, hopefully, reflect what the First Amendment means. Our right to express shall not be infringed by the government.”

Follow Kendra Peek on Twitter, @knpeek.