A viewer emailed 7&4 News wanting to know why there were already so many political signs popping up.
CHEBOYGAN -- January 1, 2011.
That's the finish line for candidates vying for various state seats, from governor to secretary of state.
But, with more than a year to go until the elections in November 2010, a viewer emailed 7&4 News wanting to know why there were already so many political signs popping up.
The signs can be seen for miles upon miles along I-75 through Cheboygan County. The viewer wrote to 7&4 saying in part: "It really spoils northern Michigan's beauty," and goes on to ask if it's even legal.
"We see political signs every year and some signs are properly placed and many are improperly placed," said Bob Felt, a spokesman with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
By definition set by the Highway Advertising Act of 1972, the signs displayed along I-75 are considered to be improperly placed. That's because there were no permission granted for the sign's placement and they're not at least 30 feet from the roadway.
Calls were made to the campaigns who had signs at least still remaining Monday. Those campaigns are "Mike Cox for Governor", "Tom George for Governor", "Bruce Patterson for Attorney General", "Bill Schuette for Attorney General", "Michelle McManus for Secretary of State", and "Howard Walker for State Senate".
While not every campaign could be reached for comment, staff members from several campaigns told 7&4 News that the signs were posted just prior to a state GOP convention that was held this weekend in Mackinac Island. A staff member with Senator Michelle McManus' office tells 7&4 News that all of their signs would be removed by Monday evening.
Felt says it's likely road crews will soon show up and remove the signs. Aside from that Felt says there are serious safety risks to be considered when placing signs so close to a heavily traveled roadway.
"We create safe environments for responsible driving," Felt said. "Along the freeway for example if it's not an emergency there's no real reason for you to be pulled off especially for the placement of a political sign. It creates a safety hazard and its something we don't encourage people to do."
When it comes to political signs there are designation deadlines as to when signs must be removed from public property. However researching various laws and ordinances it appears there are no clear restrictions as to when political signs may be put out. Postings on private property are entirely up to the discretion of property owners.
