“Billy Purta: Because this roundabout needs more signs.” This was the first of many signs released by Camas resident Billy Purta, who later revealed himself to be a local real estate agent. Purta has been putting up signs in the roundabout on the way to Camas High School (CHS), the one that nearly everyone has to pass through to get to the school. 

The first sign started with a simple message, posed in the center of the roundabout like the many campaign signs that Camas seems to be known for, as that roundabout specifically has dozens promoting local election candidates. 

From this point, Purta’s fame only escalated as the signs gained more popularity from the greater Camas community. He came out with phase two, this time not just one sign, but multiple to replace the last. It started with “I saw the sign,” a lyric from the popular song by Ace of Base, then on to “You’re Welcome,” and finally, “BILLYPURTADOTCOM.” Once on the website, viewers see a message from Billy:

“So you’ve noticed… Camas sure likes signs! I’d like to say… I’m not running for office. But… I am probably the most fun real estate broker you’ll meet! And I love our town! Like, a lot. Yes, all the signage is simply absurd, and I personally would love for some regulation there (I’m hoping these signs help spark some change). But alas, it’s just a marketing ploy to get you to my page. Check.”

Purta shows off his humor and love for the city as the website progresses, and reveals that he’s a real estate agent just advertising for business and making the days of the Camas residents a bit brighter.

“I feel like it’s definitely made the ride to school a bit more enjoyable,” said CHS freshman Camdyn Ryan.

“I did notice the Billy Purta signs on my way to school, I thought they were neat,” said junior Riley Howard.

Purta’s most recent and third phase of his advertising ploy ends with slightly changed lyrics from Closing Time by Semisonic, reading “I know who I want to sell my home.”

However, this was not the last Camas would see of Purta.

What happened after can be viewed through the Next Door app, a Clark County social media app that intends to connect neighbors with one another but also allows for spreading Camas gossip as students were able to notice last year.

Purta was accused on Next Door of stealing political signs when a few days before the election they all seemed to be gone except for the ones belonging to him. Purta composed a statement refuting this, which was met with varying responses, as seen in the images. Some people were frustrated and believed that he would do such a thing, while others used it as an opportunity to share how they appreciate Purta’s signs and how the messages had made their day.

Regardless of the controversy, Purta still holds true to his good intentions saying, “I’m not a thief. I’m just trying to poke some fun at all the signage while doing some marketing.”