[AZ-Observing] Electronic Billboard Hearing in Tucson
- From: "Peter Argenziano" <pargenz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "AZ-Observing" <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2003 15:11:08 -0700
Note: given the interrelationship between this ordinance and SB 1138 in the
state legislature, it would be appropriate for those from Phoenix, Flagstaff,
Sedona, etc. to put a word in on this too, particularly since defeat of this
ordinance in Tucson could reinvigorate Clear Channel's efforts in the
legislature.
The Tucson Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on June 9 on an
ordinance to expressly prohibit billboards with electronic displays or rotating
"tri-vision" panels. Currently, no billboards in Tucson have these types of
displays, and they are not allowed due to a code interpretation that considers
them to be an impermissible expansion of a nonconforming use. This will be the
first public hearing before Mayor and Council related to billboards in a number
of years.
Please plan to attend this hearing and do contact the Mayor and Council
expressing your support for this ordinance. The hearing is June 9, 2003, 7:30
P.M., Mayor and Council Chambers, 1st Floor, City Hall, 255 West Alameda
Street. Currently it is the only substantive item planned for the Regular
Agenda and is tentatively listed as Agenda Item #8.
Please contact Mayor and Council as follows:
Mayor and Council Hotline (your taped audio message will be transcribed and
delivered to each member of the Mayor and Council): 791-4700
Email (your email will be forwarded to each member of the Mayor and Council):
mcweb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fax (Letters): 791-4017 (City Clerk)
Mail (Letters): Mayor and Council, PO Box 27210, Tucson AZ 85726-7210
For Individual Members of the Mayor and Council:
Mayor Robert E. Walkup: email_mayor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-4201 Fax:
791-5348
Council Member José J. Ibarra: jibarra1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-4040
Fax: 791-5393
Council Member Carol W. West cwest1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-5380 Fax:
791-5380
Council Member Kathleen Dunbar ward3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-4711 Fax:
791-5391
Council Member Shirley C. Scott ward4@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-3199
Fax: 791-4717
Council Member Steve Leal sleal1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-4231
Fax: 791-3188
Council Member Fred Ronstadt ward6@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phone: 791-4601
Fax: 791-3211
It should be noted that this ordinance was generated to add an extra layer of
protection for the City of Tucson in the event that the billboard bill (HB
2364/SB 1138) were to pass the state legislature. It appeared to have the
blessing of the Mayor and Council, particularly when they voted 4-3 (Ibarra,
Leal, West "no") to no longer oppose the billboard bill in the legislature if
certain language were added to the bill and this ordinance were passed. When
the ordinance later went to the Citizen Sign Code Committee, however, they
incredibly voted 6-5 to NOT support it. Only one person was there to speak in
support. Dave Sitton of Clear Channel spoke in opposition with the usual fairy
tales about how Clear Channel had offered to remove 100 billboards, etc., etc..
The billboard bill is probably dead for the session, and even one of the
billboard lobbyists noted as much to one of our "friendly" lobbyists this past
week. Of course, anything can still happen, but to defeat this bill and not
get the city ordinance passed because of all the attention focused on the state
legislature would make the defeat of SB 1138 very bittersweet to say the least.
In addition, a lack of strong presence before the Mayor and Council could open
the door to further backsliding on billboard policy, some of which is already
occurring (and will be detailed in further communications). Lastly, do not
underestimate the ability of Clear Channel to create a presence in opposition
to the bill given their manipulative inroads (including their local radio
stations) into non-profit organizations, the "support our troops" initiatives,
and local television station coverage.
Please plan to attend the public hearing on June 9 and contact the Mayor and
Council NOW!
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