LETTERS: PROPOSITION A WON'T DAMAGE STATE BUSINESSES

To the editor:

After reading the recent letter from Chris Long, president of Associated Industries of Missouri, regarding Proposition A, I was prompted to respond.

Proposition A is a ballot measure which would stop new billboard construction along interstate and primary highways, prohibit the replacement or relocation of existing billboards and ban construction of new ones. This measure would also affirm the right of local communities to regulate billboards and equalize the rights of property owners against the billboard companies.

Missouri has approximately 13,500 billboards along interstate highways and primary roads, nearly three times the amount per mile of our eight neighboring states. A 1980 study by the Federal Highway Administration found that "there is a positive correlation between the existence of billboards and accident rates."

One of Mr. Long's claims is that these unsightly billboards are "vital for the state's tourism industry." Perhaps Mr. Long could explain how Vermont's tourism expenditures actually increased by 50 percent in the two years following the removal of all billboards. Those foolish people in Hawaii have also banned billboards. But maybe they just don't understand tourism there as well as Mr. Long's group does.

He is correct in saying the measure will prohibit the removal of trees and vegetation on public highway rights-of-way to improve visibility of signs, but that is because these areas are owned and maintained by the state and, ultimately, the taxpayers. No other industry is allowed to indiscriminately destroy public property for personal gain.

Also, don't be fooled by his claim that the measure affects the usage of on-premise signs. That's an outright lie.

Lastly, Mr. Long certainly knows that the current proposal does not call for the removal of any existing billboards. The Missouri Department of Transportation has reviewed it and confirmed this. The only expense to the taxpayers is the loss of revenue from billboard permits.

I urge everyone considering the issue to take the short drive from Fruitland to Scott City along Interstate 55, paying special attention to these billboards. I literally cannot count them on this short stretch of highway, and I challenge you to try. Is this what people should remember about our state? Proposition A is not some conspiracy to bankrupt Missouri business. It is a grassroots effort to preserve the natural beauty of this state and continue our prosperity. Vote yes on Proposition A.

LARRY G. DAVIS

Cape Girardeau