Why the "still is" comment?

In general, not just for her. What I want to know is, couldn't you just rephrase that statement, choose a different tense?

I ask because it bothers me deep down. I saw, painted on a towing garage in Upper Allston, the phrase "America's #1" and then next to it someone else painted "still is."

This wasn't graffitti, this was a paid paint job. I'm sick and furious at work, my apologies.