Free Speech Seattle
1331 Terry Ave. #104
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 781-7371
http://www.freespeechseattle.org/
info@freespeechseattle.org
With a ballot title authored by the Seattle City Attorney's office, Initiative 46 was approved as to form by City Clerk Judith Pippen today. Sponsored by Free Speech Seattle, Initiative 46 would remove the City prohibition of postering on utility poles and lamp posts. The City Clerk's action today clears the way for the group to begin gathering signatures for this City-wide initiative. The offical ballot title reads as follows: Shall Seattle Municipal code section 15.48.100, "Unlawful Posting of Signs", be amended to delete utility poles and lamp posts from the lists of objects to which handbills, signs, and posters may not be attached?
Free Speech Seattle feels that the poster ban is a clear violation of freedom of speech and an example of how a few privileged individuals make decisions for the general public. The ban has seriously damaged the local entertainment industry, as few bands have the money or contacts to promote shows via mainstream media. Aside from the promotion of music events, poles are useful as communication tools for people who need to post information about lost pets, yard sales, community events and political messages. The United States in general and the City of Seattle in particular has a long history of using public spaces for posting notices. There are a quarter of a million City Light utility poles. At an average cost of $3,000, this is a huge public resource that should be available for the public to use.
Free Speech Seattle does not intend to repeal the entire "anti-postering" ordinance. We merely want to amend it to allow postering on utility poles and lamp posts. By leaving the rest of the poster ban intact, the initiative would retain the current law against postering on trees, traffic signs, bridges, bus shelters and other City-owned property.
The group plans to place petitions in local clubs and small busineses. About 19,000 signatures are needed to place this initiative on the City Ballot. A large part of the strategy and a major goal of the group is to register voters who are not politically active. Free Speech Seattle believes that encouraging younger, disenfranchised citizens to vote will have a positive impact on the political climate in our community.
Free Speech Seattle is composed of local business owners, community activists and other concerned individuals. Members include Tim Crowley, Campaign Manager; Ben Livingston, Treasurer; Mike Crowley, Propaganda Coordinator; and Beth Fell, Fundraising Coordinator.
There will be a public meeting on Saturday, February 27th at 1 p.m. at The Hi*Score Arcade, 612 E. Pine St. In addition, on Friday, March 19th, The Hi*Score Arcade will host a benefit concert with local bands The Catheters and The Reports. The benefit concert starts at 7 p.m.