Change needed in the sign code

The recent letters and phone calls strongly point out the need for a third party review of the U.S. 93 South corridor. If something as small as a movable sign generates this much publicity there is a need for change.

With the comments being made it is clear that compromise is not an option without the help of others. Problem is it seems that everyone wants to win, the only way two sides can win is a compromise.

The other problem is this town is divided with the resort mentality and then the other business mentality. Except if you talk to the folks that have been here all their life and raised their children here, they will be the first to tell you the reduction of students in our school system is in direct relation to being a town that does not promote a business friendly attitude.

In order to have students you have to have families, in order to have families they have to be able to afford and have jobs here. In order for them to have a jobs the businesses have to be able to make money, in order for that to happen we have to have the ability to advertise and market our products and services.

There are some points I would like to get out there.

First, there is not a select few businesses that are asking for help. If you talk to any business along 93 South they will probably take up about 30 minutes of your time explaining all the times in the past they have had a negative outcome from the city sign ordinance. They will also tell you that they also want to keep the environment looking nice and uncluttered, some will bring up businesses that look like shambles and wish they would clean it up. Maybe enforcement should focus on those businesses instead of signs.

As far as auto dealerships, we do not just sell vehicles. We provide service, body repair, parts, detailing. All these different departments are depending on marketing and advertising to survive. The dealerships cannot survive just selling vehicles. So the comment that everyone can see the cars just fine is only a small part of our business.

I don’t understand those that are opposing such a review that looks at both sides, the only reason I can figure is they are more concerned about winning than doing what’s best for the community as a whole. They do not want compromise.

Just an observation.

— Greg Shaffer is service manager Don K