A Seattle citizens group wants to partially reverse a current city ban on posting ads and other notices on utility poles.
Free Speech Seattle contends that the 5-year-old law hurts the local music industry and robs city residents of public expression.
"Most of the cities in our region don't have bans on postering on poles," said Tim Crowley, a 43-year-old hospital employee behind the campaign. "We've used public spaces to advertise and make this a more vibrant community."
Last week the group won city approval of the wording for a ballot initiative, clearing the way for signature gathering to begin. If they are successful, the issue will go before voters this fall.
Initiative 46 would amend the municipal code to make it legal to post handbills, signs or posters on 250,000 utility poles and lampposts.