Recently I have seen two of the portable orange electronic highway signs (the type typically used in construction zones) displaying "Vote no on 695" type messages. One is on Highway 18 near Covington, and the other is on Highway 3 just north of Belfair.

It is my understanding that these signs are owned by WSDOT and that it is illegal for any governmental agency to campaign for or against any election issue.

Can anyone clarify this?

-- Mike Smith (smithm@pos-data.com), November 01, 1999

Answers

The signs are probably owend by a contractor that does alot of biz with the DOT. If they are in fact owned by the state, then, as Ricky Ricardo would say:

"you got some splainin' to do..."

-- just a guy (torijosh@yahoo.com), November 01, 1999.

I too have seen illuminated signs in my area. On tennant way going into the Longview, WA area. It was on Lakeside Industries property. I believe their against 695 because of wadot contracts. Its understandable. But, I did however call to find out if it was their sign. The answer I got, was it wasn't. They Indicated that they rented it. I pushed ahead to ask who from. They would not answer the question and hung up! Gee I wonder? I called the local rental agency and they don't rent or have access to those type of signs. If it were to be from wadot, would it be a good issue to bring up in campaign propoganda? Or the pure fact if this issue ends up in court. I think so! Maybe I'll look into exactly where the sign is from and also take a picture for reference. At anycase, it doesn't matter what they do(ney sayers) I-695 will pass. And "WE THE PEOPLE" will be heard.

-- Mr. Bill (bspencer@kalama.com), November 01, 1999.

I also heard on KVI one morning that a guy commuting on our "free" bus system here on Whidbey Isl. was handed an anti 695 flyer from the BUS DRIVER! He said he told the driver to keep his lies and everyone yelled for the driver to kick him off the bus.

I would like to know more about these signs and who owns them, etc. I would think that the D.O.T. would have their name painted on them. You can get a closer look at them-no one in construction cares who is around. Take a photo if you get one and let me know at my email address. We need to not just vote on Tues, but be willing to really do something about these idiots-who may be using TAXPAYER OWNED EQUIPMENT against us.

-- Paula (eagleross@pioneernet.net), November 01, 1999.