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For Release- November 4, 1999
Rockford, IL- The Rockford Area Libertarians
cried "foul," Thursday regarding the proposal to the
Rockford City Council that would limit the size of
political yard signs. According to Jason Zenda, Chairman
of the Elections Committee of the Rockford Area
Libertarians, "The Rockford City Council will ensure
three things, by putting limits on yard signs." They
are:
1. Protection of incumbents- "Since incumbent
candidates have builtin name recognition due to holding
office, they will not be affected by a limit on sign size
as much as their challengers. Challengers will have a
diminished capacity to build name recognition, hurting
their bid for election. It is no surprise that this
proposal is supported by the members of the majority
party on the city council." Zenda said.
2. Limit free speech- "Supporters would not have
the right to demonstrate the level of support that they
deem appropriate for the candidate of their choice,
unless that level of support falls within the guidelines
set by the city council. Do we want people fined or
arrested due to the fact that they support a candidate
too much? Did the city council vow to uphold the
Constitution or just those parts which benefit them
politically?" Zenda said.
3. Diminished property rights- "Property owners
would be further restricted from using THEIR property as
they see fit. Unless a sign blocks the sidewalk, the
road, right-of-way, or otherwise impedes traffic, it does
no harm. Though a sign may be unsightly to some, it may
not be to the property owner who chooses to place it on
HIS or HER property." Zenda said.
Proponents of sign limits have said that the signs can be
distracting to drivers, thus causing traffic problems.
Their contention seems to be, that the problem is that
people are looking at the signs!" Zenda exclaimed. "If
that is the case, people are distracted by all types of
signs and other roadside structures. Taken to the logical
conclusion, the city council should limit the size of or
ban any type of sign, construction project, police
traffic stops, accidents, children playing, or any other
activity within sight of the roadway that might distract
drivers." Zenda concluded.
Rockford Area Libertarians support lower taxes, smaller government, and greater freedom and personal responsibility. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 P.M. Meetings are open to the public.