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Show O: .TTeim (O'CTaixelk : WMsttfl by David Fleisher y f-mil- I - Ban signs? Let's flip a coin The issue of whether we should ban real estate signs in residential areas of Park City has been beaten to death in conversations in restaurants, living rooms, bedrooms (it's probably used during foreplay now ) , dining rooms and City Council chambers. It's the hottest issue in town, and everyone wants a piece of the action. The City Council had intended to take action on the matter at- last week's meeting, but one of its members was absent, so it was ; tabled. There's a chance it'll be voted on this week. The problem is the council can't decide what to do: I There is no consensus of opinion, with ; . two members against banning real estate signs, two in favor and one 5 with mixed feelings. The councilman with mixed feelings is the swing vote. ; Within the real-estate community, ; the issue has provoked charges and countercharges. Some real estate " agents are accusing each other of I looking out for their own self h interests, rather than being concerned with what's best for the ; community as a whole. I've heard ; stuff "off the record" that even I borders on being a little hasty. In fact, the controversial issue has become so emotionally charged that I'm afraid if it isn't resolved soon, the Mafia may get involved and break a few kneecaps. Those in favor of getting rid of real estate signs say they clutter up the neighborhoods and create an unsavory appearance. They also say an overabundance of signs decreases property values. Those against banning the signs take a legal and philosophical approach: What right does the council have to interfere with the business sector by prohibiting real estate agents from exercising their right to legally advertise through the use of signage? Also, should the council tell property owners they can't put up signs? Is this counter to first amendment rights? The debate has been going on for weeks, and I think it's safe to assume that there will never be a consensus of opinion among real estate agents or city councilmen. I firmly believe the following, and it can be interpreted as a clear statement of my own belief on the matter: I think we should ban real estate signs because I think the town would probably look better without them, and I think we should not ban real estate signs because people should have the right to put them up if they want to in our free-enterprise system of government. See, it's not such a complex issue; I'm sure in what I believe. I'm glad I didn't run for City Council. There's an interesting footnote to aH of this. The City Council is made up entirely of real estate agents, and one might suspect they would vote in a bloc, since the issue hits fairly close to home. Yet they have been debating, and at times arguing, the proposed ban on real estate signs tor weeks'. In fact, in all fairness, City Councilman Jim Doilney seems more concerned about receiving public input than he is about the issue itself. And councilman Bob Wells told me he was surprised he didn't hear more input from people outside the real estate community. Since the council is deadlocked, and the mayor has voiced his opposition to breaking a tie vote (although he did say if he was forced to, he would vote against banning real estate signs), there's really only one sensible way to resolve this thing: I suggest at this week's council meeting the mayor flip a coin. It's either that, or Bingo. I can't decide which. Bingo would probably be more fun, but maybe too time consuming. The arguments for and against have gone on long enough, and they're getting repetitive. We need to get it resolved. Flipping a coin would be faster and less painful. The mayor could use a special centennial coin, thereby making it a truly . historically-memorable event. Flipping a coin is risky, but you have a fifty-fifty chance of winning, anc it's fair. It may hurt a little, bul that's life. And maybe we shoulc heed the words of Gary Gilmore who in 1977 said only moments before he was executed: "Let's d it." As I walk up Main Street I hear tin Ten O'Clock Whistle. |