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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Eric Nelson CONTACT: Jennifer
Dysinger |
State Rep. Michael
McGeehan State Rep. George
Kenney |
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McGeehan and Kenney: 'Stop trashing our highways'
Reps. Mike McGeehan and George Kenney have a message for their fellow politicians and would-be politicians: “Stop using our highways as your private billboards.”
Philadelphia, June 7 – At a news conference off a busy city intersection today, state Reps. Michael McGeehan, D-Phila., and George Kenney, R-Phila., unveiled legislation aimed at the seemingly unlimited scattering of political on signs on state roads, bridges and buildings in Philadelphia.
With the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard (state Route 1) and 2700 Southampton Road, in front of the Pennsylvania National Armory, as their backdrop, the two took on the swarms of political signs that they say trash city neighborhoods, distract drivers and give visitors a bad impression.
"Too many of our political aspirants have neither the strength nor willingness to police themselves in cleaning up what they’ve created and we should no longer have to witness our roadways being disrespected and treated like dumpsters,” McGeehan said.
“They also increase the difficulty and cost of maintaining our roadways. Mowing equipment doesn’t take very well to hitting uncollected steel wires that were once holding up signs.”
“Philadelphia is a hub of tourism, with many exciting attractions such as the zoo and the Constitution Center,” Kenney added. “Our state roads, bridges and buildings should not be littered with advertisement signs that taint our city’s image for visitors and residents.
“It has become evident that cleaning up plastic and other materials from our roadways is costing our taxpayers money in repairs and cleaning costs. Our legislation calls for a $25 fine to be imposed for each sign illegally displayed on state property. The purpose of our measure is to clean up the gateways to Philadelphia and all other state roadways once and for all,” stated Kenney.
“It is said that first impressions are lasting impressions. What impression does this endless sea of political graffiti leave for visitors and residents alike?” McGeehan asked.
The legislation (H.B. 1519) has been assigned to the House Environmental Resources Committee.
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