In reading Mr. Ike McLeese’s article about digital billboards (September 25), a casual reader might come away with the impression that opposition to them doesn’t reflect a very strong public sentiment. In being a resident of Northeast Columbia for over 43 years and standing in disagreement about these billboards, I greatly differ with his occasional references that hint at a low strength of public opposition on this matter.

For example, the large majority of the many speakers at the Richland County Council’s public hearing on September 22 were community citizens, like myself, speaking against approval. The major environmental and beautification groups in the area have also expressed alarm. Hundreds of names on petitions were delivered to the Council urging a ban on digitalized billboards.

Representatives from the many county Neighborhood Associations (representing 200,000 persons) have had discussion over the potential dangers to driving safety due to distraction and visual blight in the environment.

Subtle language occasionally is presented in his article that tends to insinuate a diminishing of the actual strength of the above public outcry. For instance, the opposition to the billboards is described as serving “the interest of several citizens’ opinions about ‘aesthetics’.” Painting a portrayed picture of a minimal opposition continues: “ . . . according to a few in Richland County, citizens will derive more benefits from a landscape that is devoid of anything that will draw consumers into their communities.” Thus, some readers may have been led to wonder: What’s the big deal here?

Furthermore, the article states that there are a group of “activists” (watch out for the “a” word!) seeking to block the proposed plan on billboards. Whew! I hope that Mr. McLeese is not intending to create for readers some fearful visualizing that this effort is brimming over with wild–eyed radicals.

Rather, activism is semantically rooted in the principles of moving and doing in contrast to an enertia and keeping your mouth shut. It would be incredibly sad if the Council or anyone else would want community opinions and appropriate passions curbed as related to difficult issues.

Let’s face it, we’re all in this thing together – many on different pages – in struggling with the matter of digitalized billboards. May we seek hopefully for the common good of our cherished county and its future generations. Over the years, I’ve held much appreciation for Mr. McLeese and the many contributions that he and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce have made to our lives.

It just so happens that I and many other persons have some major disagreement on some of the points he raises in his article and how they're pictured.
Rev. Thomas A. Summers
Retired United Methodist
Minister