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Camping World CEO blasts Statesville council, vows flag 'isn't coming down'

Credit: Ryan Revock/Record & Landmark

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The CEO of Camping World says the massive American flag over the Statesville business isn't coming down, even though it violates a city ordinance.

Eyewitness News has followed the battle over the 40-by-80 foot flag since last summer.

[READ MORE: City ordinance won't allow giant American flag to be flown over Statesville Camping World]

Channel 9's partners at the Record & Landmark reported that city council voted 5-3 on Monday to keep an ordinance limiting flag sizes to 25-by-40 feet.

Afterward, Marcus Lemonis, CEO of the Illinois-based company, said the flag isn't coming down.

"It's my property, my business and my flag," Lemonis told the paper on Tuesday. "Why is the city council so adamant about the size of my flag?"

City planning staff in the past has told council members that the city can limit flag size, but not the kind of flag. If the city allows massive American flags, it could open the door for massive flags that could be considered offensive.

Lemonis told the paper he doesn't understand how the flag hurts Statesville. Without having that justification, he said he'll refuse to abide by the opinion of five people on an eight-person council.

Lemonis said he'd consider coming to Statesville if city council agreed to reconsider allowing the larger flag.

"I just want to pay my taxes and run my business," he said.

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