The spectre of billboards sprouting on Vermont highways is being used by a Vermont senator to draw attention to the garishness of American highways. Senator James Jeffords says "some people" want the federal government to force states to accept billboard advertising on interstates. This would override legislation in Vermont, Maine, Hawaii and Alaska that expressly forbid such advertising.

Although no one seems to be actually stepping forward to openly suggest such action, the senator is raising the possibility that it could happen. Just like the prospect of Wal-Marts undermining the way of life here, the very suggestion of billboards gets most Vermonters quite upset.

It would seem that the real purpose of Mr. Jeffords is to draw attention to his proposed bill that would place strict controls on what he calls "uncontrolled billboard blight." - a wonderful expression Senator! Among other things, the bill would place a limit on the amount of billboards that could be erected alongside federal highways. It would also prohibit new billboards in unzoned areas, and would not allow trees to be cut down to make way for billboards. As Senator Jeffords puts it, his legislation is intended to send a signal to billboard owners that America is ready to end billboard blight.

What do you think about this? Do you think that Vermont should remain free and do you think your state should follow the example set by Maine, Hawaii , Alaska and Vermont in banning such advertising? By casting your vote below, you are expressing your sentiment about so called "billboard blight:"

Please note: We are asking for your E-Mail address and your state in order for us to obtain a valid count and to determine if "billboard blight" is an issue in your state.

Until the other states' residents can't find a gas station or restaurant or lodging at night because there are no signs to help them get off a highway or to let them know what services they might find, they really have no idea how bad it can be for travelers who are unfamiliar with an area when there are no signs to help.

Lee Forman, Innkeeper
The Inn On Trout River
US Postal:P.O. Box 76, Montgomery Center, VT 05471
Tel:802-326-4391 Toll Free: 800-338-7049 US & Canada
e-mail:troutinn@sover.net

Web address: www.pbpub.com/vermont/trout.htm

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The headline asks if Vermont should remain free and asks people to vote not only on this issue but also if their state should get rid of "billboard blight." In other words, it is an expression of sentiment. We hope that this is now clear.

- ed

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I was glad to see your poll and even gladder to see the overwhelming
support for billboard control it has elicited.

One point:
Senator Jeffords is not simply making up this threat to
Vermont's scenic beauty. In fact, a bill that would have required
Vermont and other states to allow billboards was introduced by Sen. Ford (D-KY) in the last Congress. While it didn't pass -- due to the diligent efforts of many in Congress -- the fact is, the billboard industry would love to see federal law preempt state and local laws.

With 15,000 new billboards added annually to the 500,000 already lining our major highways, it is high time we stop trashing America the
Beautiful and get billboard blight under control. Senator Jeffords
deserves our support for fighting for a more scenic America.

Frank Vespe
Washington, DC
Policy Director, Scenic America
scenica@idt.net

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No one should tell the State of Vermont or even Try to argue with Vermont about a issue so petty, They have nothing better to do and can not find anything wrong in Vermont and want to try to upset us.

Vermont Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The billboards do not need to be messing up Vermont

From: trackers@erols.com

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