Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight
The House fight over a measure to loosen restrictions on billboard companies pit former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley against his former protégé, Herschel Walker.
Walker won, 98 to 68, as the House passed HB 179.
Dooley recorded a robo-call urging defeat of the bill aimed at residents of lawmakers in key districts. Less publicly, No. 34 made live calls to lawmakers on behalf of the billboard industry.
State Rep. Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla, said from the House well that he was one of those called by the former UGA running back — and that he had saved Walker’s cell phone number.
Here’s a transcript of the recorded message from Dooley:
”This is Coach Vince Dooley. I’m calling to alert you to House Bill 179 which allows billboard companies to clear cut trees on public property for the viewing of billboards on private property. This controversial bill would replace an existing compromise that was agreed to by the billboard companies and the environmental community.
“I am in favor of keeping the existing law because it protects more of our trees and will keep our state roads and highways more scenic and beautiful and at the same time provide proper maintenance for the billboard companies. Please join me on opposing this effort to allow the clear cutting of our trees by calling your state representative and asking him or her. To vote no on House Bill 179. This is Coach Vince Dooley. Thank you for your time and for your help.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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152 comments Add your comment
Aquagirl
February 24th, 2011
10:54 am
Hmmm—let’s see—billboard owners and advertisers vs. people who don’t want Georgia looking even trashier than it does now.
Gosh, I wonder who’s gonna win this one? The suspense is killing me.
WE have lost our way
February 24th, 2011
10:59 am
Knowing the current legislators,I can hear the sound of chain saws starting to run all over this state.
Where is the Outcry
February 24th, 2011
11:03 am
Two beloved UGA football heros. Yet, neither of them are registered as lobbyists. Where is the outcry from the AJC or Common Cause regarding this blatant violation of law?! I won’t hold my breath.
George P. Burdell
February 24th, 2011
11:05 am
Meanwhile, as the General Assembly caters to special interests, education, water, and transportation all go unaddressed.
We can do better than this.
Joe
February 24th, 2011
11:08 am
I called my state representative and left a message asking him to vote no on this bill. Email is better than nothing, but telephone calls are better than email. If you don’t know who your state rep is or don’t know how to contact him or her, you can use this link to enter your address and find out: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/officials/congress/
Ben Dover
February 24th, 2011
11:09 am
Why can’t we all just get along?
jerry
February 24th, 2011
11:15 am
Georgia is a Republican state. Republicans are pro business. Timberrrrrrrrrrr!!!!
Bob Burger
February 24th, 2011
11:26 am
I believe that- by law – the Georgia legislature must meet for 40 (business) days every year. Along with this proposed legislation and the proposal of allowing the individual counties to decide on Sunday alcohol sales for themselves being “shot down,” I think it best for the Georgia legislature to me for just one day every 40 years!
aubre boone
February 24th, 2011
11:32 am
If you ever need a place to deposit your trash or anything else you consider environmentally offensive, just bring it to Washington County in middle Georgia. Since the first of last year, Washington County has managed to have a landfill leaking harmful gases into the atmosphere, underwent a project to pump sewage from Tennille to the Oconee River, and are awaiting a coal burning power plant named Plant Washington, all with little, and futile resistance. Apparently Washinton County has undertaken the dirty job of becoming Georgia’s Trash Dump! Any radioactive waste you need to get rid of??
Jim
February 24th, 2011
11:33 am
Cheers to Coach Dooley and the trees. Trees breath oxygen which people we to live. We already have enough billboards.
GIVE ME A BREAK
February 24th, 2011
11:34 am
Take the billboards down. Drivers don’t need the distraction.
Just Wait
February 24th, 2011
11:34 am
Who really cares what Vince Dooley and Herschel Walker think? Their opinions will have nothing to do with my position or the way the vote goes on this bill. Two very inflated egos at work.
Tweets that mention Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight | Political Insider -- Topsy.com
February 24th, 2011
11:43 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor, gatorhatindawg and Rob Pritts, Georgia Bulldogs-UGA. Georgia Bulldogs-UGA said: http://bit.ly/WireUG Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard #NCAA #Sports http://bit.ly/f6B1hs [...]
What is next.....
February 24th, 2011
11:48 am
Vince Dooley has offered to settle this matter in an MMA match with Herschel. Dooley didn’t teach his protege everything he knows.
JP
February 24th, 2011
11:54 am
yeah, but one of Herschel’s other personalities is against cutting the trees….
Tom
February 24th, 2011
11:54 am
No fair. Herschel has Vince outnumbered.
MC W
February 24th, 2011
11:55 am
I wasn’t aware that our state’s billboards were too obscured by God’s creation. I think a drive on 285 near Tucker will convince anybody that the billboard lobby in Georgia is already powerful enough.
Larry
February 24th, 2011
12:10 pm
Jim,
Not a single quote or reference comments by Walker to associate with your title? Weak and lazy!
Come on man!
SugarHillDawg
February 24th, 2011
12:15 pm
And the billboard lobby won’t even have to pay the state the going rate for the trees. Talk about adding insult to injury!!
5150 UOAD
February 24th, 2011
12:21 pm
Tom
Funny. Good Call.
5150 UOAD
February 24th, 2011
12:23 pm
Has anybody purchased anything because they saw it on a Billboard? I know it is more NAME recognition, but still. I would rather drive home without being YELLED At from Signs all over the Highway. Just think if Atlanta didn’t have billboards we would have never had TED TURNER. I could do with LESS of both.
papadawg
February 24th, 2011
12:25 pm
And this relates to Sports HOW
yokel
February 24th, 2011
12:31 pm
the fact that Ralston’s kid is a lobbyist for the outdoor advertisers should be on a headline
Not from California
February 24th, 2011
12:31 pm
They are going to poison them anyway; they’ve been killing them illegally for years. We have the trashiest, ugliest highways of any state except South Carolina. They claim they’re just keeping us “informed.” Right.
Lum
February 24th, 2011
12:33 pm
Both of them should stick to football.
sandman053
February 24th, 2011
12:46 pm
trees are a renewable resource….let’s cut the timber for profit to the state since it is public-owned land, replant, and everyone is happy and the money goes towards the budget shortfalls we have every year…
ugagrad_2001
February 24th, 2011
12:46 pm
GDOT spends money every year to keep the R/W (right of way) clear of trees, but there is not enough tax money in the state to keep all of the R/W’s clear. Trees in the R/W create a traffic hazard when there are traffic accidents that result in vehicles leaving the roadway. Encroachment of trees in the R/W also exacerbate the problem of deer in the roadway. If the R/W is clear deer can be seen as they approach the traffic lanes giving cars a chance to spot and avoid them. GDOT already requires utility companies to clear all trees within the R/W before issuing them a permit to install utilities (power/phone lines, gas lines, water/sewer, etc.)in the GDOT R/W’s. Why not issue permits for clearing in front of billboards. As a condition of the permit you could require the permittee to clear all trees 0.5 mile in each direction from the billboard location. This would save the state and taxpayers a pile of money in R/W clearing costs, not to mention it would cut down on traffic accidents which would eventually lead to lower car insurance rates for everyone in Georgia.
bart
February 24th, 2011
12:48 pm
As much as I respect Herschel, he is no longer a Georgia resident and shouldn’t have a voice in this. Of course, with the Repubs in charge, this will surely become law. It doesn’t matter that it will make our highways trashier and that billboards are a distraction while driving. We will cater to the special interests while the economy, jobs, transportation, and water go lacking.
Wordsmith
February 24th, 2011
12:56 pm
Georgia may be a Republican state and pro-business, but we Republicans are not in lockstep on billboards vs. trees. I am very opposed to the billboard bill and lobby, and so are my conservative friendsn and yes we do vote.
I Like Trees and Dollars
February 24th, 2011
1:07 pm
Am I the only one who thinks ugagrad_2001 might work for a billboard company? I hate to tell you this sport, but the deer are eating the grass, not the pine trees. Come on.
I’m a marketing and advertising executive. I buy a lot of advertising. I’m a republican. But I hate billboards. I refuse to advertise on them because they are an eyesore and I don’t think they are effective. I don’t care for billboard companies. And I really don’t want this legislation to pass. Trees versus tacky billboards? I’ll take the trees, thanks.
flintrock70
February 24th, 2011
1:11 pm
Billboard companies pay NOTHING in any kind of taxes. Maybe they should pay their share then they can talk about messing with public land.
joe
February 24th, 2011
1:13 pm
Guess those billboard companies are lining #34’s pockets…just like they did in 1980. Oh, I’m only kidding…sort of.
Atlanta1
February 24th, 2011
1:35 pm
I’m no tree hugger; but at the same time, who isn’t sick of those stinkin bill boards. I vote for the trees – “Go Vince”…
5150 UOAD
February 24th, 2011
1:36 pm
flintrock70
you are kidding right? They pay NO Taxes? You need to rethink that. If they make an income form advertising sales they do pay taxes.
America the Beautiful
February 24th, 2011
1:40 pm
Let’s clear cut the billboards, so that drivers can better see the trees.
Billboards are Visual Pollution.
curt
February 24th, 2011
1:40 pm
Show us the tax money!! Haven’t they made our roads ugly enough already with their selfish eyesores? Just what are they paying in “campaign contributions” to get this load of garbage through.
TOO MANY BILLBOARDS
February 24th, 2011
1:43 pm
cut those b@stardly signs down
Tweets that mention Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight | Political Insider -- Topsy.com
February 24th, 2011
1:45 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jim Galloway, Leah Barnett. Leah Barnett said: RT @politicalinsidr Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight http://bit.ly/ehnUsn [...]
Cliff Clavin
February 24th, 2011
1:46 pm
I’m having trouble deciding on this one. What does Knowshon Moreno think?
freidenker
February 24th, 2011
1:48 pm
i see at this writing that it passed. bet it doesn’t allow for cutting god’s trees if there’s a package store under the billboard, thus exposing it to potential customers. where are the people? who the hell is running this weak attempt at government?
UGASlobberknocker
February 24th, 2011
1:49 pm
I love Herschel but he is not one who I would take political advice from.
UGASlobberknocker
February 24th, 2011
1:50 pm
Am I the only one who wishes those tacky billboards on the interstates would be banned for good.?
Larry
February 24th, 2011
1:51 pm
Is traveling 75-80 mph on I-75, I-85, I-20 or I-285 with 4-6 heavy traffic lanes staring at billboards high and off the road any less of a distraction or any less dangerous than one talking or texting on their phone?
Ban them all–it will look better and safer too!
And I’m a conservative voter, for whatever that matters here…
Joe Mayo
February 24th, 2011
1:53 pm
Why do we need more billboards? I see too many billboards that do not even have ads on them now. Then there are billboards that are a little racy for young eyes. I side with keeping the trees.
Brad
February 24th, 2011
1:54 pm
What about a replinishment plan. If you cut a tree down in front of the billboard, then as a company you are required to plant a new tree in a different area. Seems simple enough. Win-Win
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
1:54 pm
I get so sick of constantly being sold something. Everywhere we turn we’re bombarded with ads. It’s madness. Are we not more than consumers? You know, someday the state will have yet another budget shortfall even worse than the current one. That’s just the way the economy around the world is working. It will never improve and that’s a good thing because the more of this cheap, non-renewable crap we buy that winds up in some landfill 6 months later the closer we get to our own doom.
This is not a republican or democrat issue because at the end of the day they all want the same thing – to get paid. While voters argue back and forth like children about the virtues of one party over another, these career politicians from both parties are having beers together and sharing stories of corruption gone unchecked and planning their next move. Of course when they get in front of us they act like mortal enemies. It would be amusing if it wasn’t so sickening to see how so many of us fall for the charade.
Keep the bloody trees already. How about cutting
TXDawg
February 24th, 2011
1:55 pm
I’m not a tree-hugger, but having moved to Texas I realized how “pretty” Georgia highways are in comparison. Beautiful lush vegetation and very little sign-pollution. While I’m really enjoying Texas, there are billboards – aka sign pollution – everywhere. Who knew I’d actually miss driving up and down 400! Even my colleagues who visit GA tell me the same thing. Keep GA highways visually clean, please.
GaBlue
February 24th, 2011
1:56 pm
When will the people of this state realize that our opinions mean nothing? WEALTHY BUSINESSMEN who form groups and lobby for their particular needs (via both cash and gifts to our alleged representatives) have their requests answered. (Please do not confuse that to mean working people have a right to form groups and have requests answered.) Since churches are tax-free businesses with wide influence over voters, they get VIP treatment too.
The rest of us and our silly little opinions could not possibly be less significant. If this vote does not convince you, nothing will. Ask NOT whom your representative represents. It ain’t you.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
1:56 pm
How about cutting the “political” nonsense instead.
Just Say'in
February 24th, 2011
1:57 pm
I moved away from Georgia many years ago. But recently, I returned to my hometown in South Georgia via I-75. It was hard to believe this is still considered the Bible Belt. I have never seen so many “Skin” advertisments on billboards. It seems as if the major industry in South Georgia must be Peaches, Pecans, Massage Parlors and Totally Nude Show Girl Cafes. Maybe, they should grow the trees tall enough to cover the billboards advertising the Nude trade. Not a prude, just an observation.
Dear Joe,
February 24th, 2011
1:58 pm
Wrong group of Representatives. It is the House in GA you need to be contacting not Congress.
Bubba
February 24th, 2011
1:59 pm
How many billboards are there on I-75 South of Atlanta that advertise the “Cafe Risque” club? It would be a shame to block any of these with pine trees.
AJ
February 24th, 2011
2:02 pm
I will make calls for either side for a $1000 donation.
tim
February 24th, 2011
2:03 pm
The billboard industry sinks to a new low by hiring a man who, by his own admission, can’t read…….duhhh
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
2:04 pm
@GA Blue – You’re dead on buddy. OUR VOTES MEAN NOTHING.
Americans always come with this crap about you not having a voice if you don’t vote or that you shouldn’t complain. Total bunk. The government doesn’t care whether you vote or not, the only way you matter in this world is by how much money you spend and how much you pay in taxes. As long as the government takes money out of your check, you have a voice. You can’t have your life ruined by not voting but stop paying taxes and watch what happens to you.
Keep voting if that makes you feel all democratic and American and all that other junk, but please know that unless you vote comes with thousands or millions or dollars it doesn’t matter. Our money and therefore our votes are but a faint whisper.
Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight | Conservative GA
February 24th, 2011
2:08 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/02/24/vince-dooley-herschel-walker-on-oppos... Click here to cancel reply. [...]
Beeg Boi
February 24th, 2011
2:10 pm
I need a Pecan Log now! Can I still get one at the Magnolia?
Pat H
February 24th, 2011
2:13 pm
The billboard companies do pay a large fee and donation to the beautification of Atlanta for every tree cut….to me it makes it a win/win (better for busienss and better for beautification)! Many people have commented that the billboard companies do not pay fees or donations, but that is not the case…per the bill.
EDIMGIAFAD
February 24th, 2011
2:13 pm
TIMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!
EDIMGIAFAD
February 24th, 2011
2:14 pm
TXDawg – I have to agree with you!!!
chris
February 24th, 2011
2:15 pm
Well the cons like to destroy nature, so I would guess this makes sense.
roger
February 24th, 2011
2:16 pm
I think that in order to fully make an opinion about HB 179 a person should actually read the bill. First, it is important to remember that this bill has been worked on for five years. Each year it comes up for a vote and each year it has failed. It has not failed due to environmental concerns or anything like that because this bill only deals with 2,300 acres of Georgia’s nearly 25 million acres of timber land. All that this bill says is that the trees on the right of way will be trimmed to increase line of site to the bill boards affected by over growth. In addition, the 2,300 acres that could possibly be affected by this bill is the maximum estimate. Over 9000 permits for vegetation removal would have to be accepted for those 2300 acres to be touched (with a trimming, not a clear cutting). The billboard companies will take on the cost of trimming the right of ways in the affected areas ad will plant an equivalent amount of trees to any removal that takes place. The money comes from fees the outdoor advertisers pay to be able to put up a billboard. This is brief summary of the bill, but I encourage all to read it and become educated about the matter for themselves. The bill is HB 179 on the Georgia legislature site… be sure to view the burns amendment added today that address the funding of the service
Sam
February 24th, 2011
2:17 pm
Thanks Vince – you fought the good fight. The idiots who run this state don’t have the sense to realize how invaluable trees are to us. We’ll be another junk state like NJ turnpikes – tacky ugly signs instead of beautiful, beneficial trees.
Hershel: I am so disappointed with you. The only football player I ever cared about. You have really let me and the rest of GA down!
roger
February 24th, 2011
2:18 pm
many concessions and agreements were mad over the past five years to get this bill to pass. Republican legislatures voted it down five years in a row. Do not confuse our state legislature with the republicans in washington d.c., they are very different.
Stupid Liberal Hypocrites
February 24th, 2011
2:18 pm
This wouldn’t be an issue if the companies were allowed to build a sign as tall as they wanted so they wouldn’t have to cut down trees. Another perfect example of TOO MUCH regulation causing more harm than good. Either it’s private property or it’s not. But NOOOOOO, liberals want to stick their noses in other people’s business to ‘Regulate’ the behavior of private individuals on their own private land, because they’re so damned afraid that someone is going to do something they don’t like; as in post a sign over 100 feet in the air to it clears the treetops. Their solution? Regulate, regulate, regulate. And now they want to complain about the problems those Regulations create. Stupid F*&$ing morons.
roger
February 24th, 2011
2:18 pm
*made
roger
February 24th, 2011
2:20 pm
Finally, this does not add more billboards. The bill places a moratorium on new billboard construction for five years.
Aquagirl
February 24th, 2011
2:22 pm
roger, get back to work for your corporate billboard overlords.
Logic 05
February 24th, 2011
2:24 pm
Looks like Herschel is a complete sellout for the almighty $$$
Ryan
February 24th, 2011
2:29 pm
Herschel actually lft a recorded message about Viagra on my voice mail. Now I’m really confused. Is he pro-wood or anti-wood?
Pro Business
February 24th, 2011
2:33 pm
I think the people who are against this bill are so non-business it is not even funny. Dont you realize that there are people who work for these companies and with the chance of opening up billboards it will create revenue and the possibility of creating jobs. In this time of our economy jobs are very important and if this can help then lets do it. In addition it is not like the billboard companies are tearing down every tree. If you read HB 179 they are removing less then .00000000001% of the trees plus replacing whatever you take down. That is really going to effect our oxygen levels. What a bunch of idiots that are against this. It is about business and not emotions you idiots.
GaBlue
February 24th, 2011
2:35 pm
Stupid Liberal Hypocrites,
Somewhere in your hate-filled, hyperbolic nastygram, you make a good point about “FREEDOM.” The question is: “Freedom for WHOM?” You see, the people you [are free to] vilify think that businesses should be regulated since businesses affect individuals outside said business, and also the environment, community, and economy shared by many.
Conversely, the folks to screech their hatred for “liberal hypocrites” are often the same folks who want regulations on individuals: When we can buy beer, whom we can marry, what we can grow in our gardens, what medical decisions we make in the privacy of our doctor’s offices, what color we can paint our fence, even. More and more regulations seem to be pushed on people by those who are anti-regulation when it comes to business. Ironic, huh?
In this case, clearly the people of Georgia are NOT free to choose whether we want to look at state-owned (our) trees or tacky advertisements. Businesses ARE free to bombard us endlessly with their garbage.
You are now free to continue cursing at people who like trees better than ugly commercialism.
Marty
February 24th, 2011
2:37 pm
Didn’t we go thtough this mess with Zig Zag Zell.
Aquagirl
February 24th, 2011
2:43 pm
Pro-business, the only business you are concerned about is the billboard business. You see, despite all the Delta-Is-Ready-When-You-Are boring drones, when Georgia looks like crap, it drives other people away. People with money and businesses to relocate. Tourists. Investors. You know, the entire rest of the world.
Now, get back to work with roger, crafting simpering whines for your trashy billboard bosses. Nobody is buying your BS, not even Georgia voters. And that’s a low bar to clear.
i want an exotic massage at exit 30......
February 24th, 2011
2:46 pm
@ProBiz…. really couldn’t care less about the trees, just hate billboards. find another job, use that energy for something more appealing.
funny how the conservative, pro-business, anti-alcohol on sunday legislators support an industry that is a huge supporter of strip club and adult novelty business advertising. those seem to be the signs that people remember when driving through our fair state.
funny ha ha and funny weird…..
what the media doesn't tell you
February 24th, 2011
2:53 pm
Herschel Walker was the keynote speaker at the annual convention of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia a couple of years ago. Look up their website on google before they go into hiding after this article was published.
The issue here is not about trees or the aesthetics of billboards, but rather special interest groups gaining control of publicly-owned property. So-called Republicans claim to be against special interest groups. If you’re OK with the billboard industry controlling public property, then you’ll love this bill. Also, the See Rock City owners are big-time supporters of this bill. It’s interesting that you don’t see any billboards from their scenic vistas.
Bill
February 24th, 2011
2:55 pm
Hey, Hershel. Shut up!
Seems like there is a persistent problem at UGA–the coach can’t control his players off the field.
rooster
February 24th, 2011
3:03 pm
They ought to at least get the billboarders to contribute to the cost of keeping the roadsides free of litter. The state is being penny-wise and pound-foolish to “save” the expense of keeping highways clean. Check out the infields at the 75-85-20 interchange. They’re trashy. It’s the biggest confluence of interstate highways in this part of the country. Think any out-of-state folks passing through there gain an impression of us?
Double Zero Eight
February 24th, 2011
3:18 pm
Our legislators cater to the ones that ” show them the money”
(lobbyists). The outcome could be predicted from the onset.
The advertisers won as expected.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
3:37 pm
Liberals vs. Conservatives….such a lame, never-ending battle of ideologies than mean nothing in the physical world. There is no liberal or conservative way to ensure a sustainable future for our children. It’s only a distraction and boy do Americans eat it up.LMAO.
Truth is most of us are “conservative” about some things and “liberal” about some things. But we tend to pick one over another because we just can’t stand to be wrong about anything. Drop the labels folks as both sides are only using us. Anyone who to subscribes to all things liberal or all things conservative muse be slightly retarded or afraid to think for themselves.
Politics is not your friend.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
3:38 pm
Anyone who to subscribes to all things liberal or all things conservative MUST be slightly retarded or afraid to think for themselves.
Five Man Electrical Band
February 24th, 2011
3:45 pm
Sign Sign everywhere a Sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Wouldn’t it be nice to have less signs and garbage on our roads?
Country roads – take me home ……
LakeDawg
February 24th, 2011
3:47 pm
I see ole Herschel has sold out. That’s a shame.
aquagirl's mom
February 24th, 2011
3:49 pm
One of those billboards might create a job for you, so you aren’t so bitter aquagirl. Advertising helps other industries besides just the outdoor industry. So put the cupcakes down and pick up a classifieds and find a job so you can move out of the basement.
Burroughston Broch
February 24th, 2011
3:50 pm
Why should it make one bit of difference which side of an issue Vince Dooley and Herschel Walker are being PAID to market? A has-been coach and a has-been player. State politics fallen to a new low beneath UGA athletics.
what the media doesn't tell you
February 24th, 2011
3:56 pm
This is in reply to the comments by ugagrad_2001.
Statement 1. “GDOT spends money every year to keep the R/W (right of way) clear of trees, but there is not enough tax money in the state to keep all of the R/W’s clear.”
Truth 1. The GDOT does not spend money every year to keep the r/w clear of trees. The r/w is the boundary on either side of the highways, including the paved roads, that is state property. The GDOT keeps the clear zones clear of trees. This is the horizontal grassed area on each side of the roadway that is kept clear of trees.
Statement 2. “Trees in the R/W create a traffic hazard when there are traffic accidents that result in vehicles leaving the roadway.”
Truth 2. See #1 above. The clear zones are based on Federal Highway Administration guidelines.
Statement 3. “Encroachment of trees in the R/W also exacerbate the problem of deer in the roadway. If the R/W is clear deer can be seen as they approach the traffic lanes giving cars a chance to spot and avoid them.”
Truth 3. Please share your data on this. There is nothing that mankind can do to prevent deer, or any other wild or domesticated animals from entering the roadways.
Statement 4. “GDOT already requires utility companies to clear all trees within the R/W before issuing them a permit to install utilities (power/phone lines, gas lines, water/sewer, etc.)in the GDOT R/W’s.”
Truth 4. GDOT does not regulate utility companies. Permits to perform any activity on the GDOT r/w are issued before any such activity is allowed.
Statement 5. “Why not issue permits for clearing in front of billboards.”
Truth 5. Permits for clearing in front of billboards have been issued for several years, as mandated by current law.
Statement 6. “As a condition of the permit you could require the permittee to clear all trees 0.5 mile in each direction from the billboard location.”
Truth 6. Billboards are not allowed to be placed closer than 500 feet to each other along the interstates. One-half of a mile is almost 5 times that distance.
Statement 7. “This would save the state and taxpayers a pile of money in R/W clearing costs, not to mention it would cut down on traffic accidents which would eventually lead to lower car insurance rates for everyone in Georgia.”
Truth 7. Please share with us, the taxpayers and car insurance payers, your data on this broad statement.
Harvey Updyke
February 24th, 2011
3:56 pm
Hey, this is why I doctored those Toomer oaks. I wanted to replace them with a “Roll Tide” sign. My lawyer says this bill passing may save my behind.
WE have lost our way
February 24th, 2011
3:57 pm
Bill just passed the House–Billboards won. Trees lost.
chalkdawg4
February 24th, 2011
4:03 pm
Vince Dooley never found a product he could not endorse. Does anyone remember Barbara hawking ‘Dooley’s other dogs”. He is even a shill for Champion who Neal Boortz had to quit after getting wise to their antics. Might get flagged for this since AJC loves them some Champion Windows and Doors. I actually agree with Vince on this on though. Herschel could develop another personality and send another view out tomorrow. Just sayin.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
4:08 pm
@ aquagirl’s mom
You said:
“One of those billboards might create a job for you, so you aren’t so bitter aquagirl. Advertising helps other industries besides just the outdoor industry. So put the cupcakes down and pick up a classifieds and find a job so you can move out of the basement.”
What difference does it make if we’re losing 50 jobs for every job the billboards create? What have we really gained except dozens of eyesores? How about creating some jobs that can benefit ALL OF US like the kind that rebuild our crumbling infrastructure? We’re behind on transit too, so why not start there? But billboards??? BILLBOARDS for creating jobs???
Rally?
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
4:12 pm
Really???
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
4:13 pm
Heck, “rally’ too!
Last Man Standing
February 24th, 2011
4:16 pm
How would you ant-billboard, pro Sunday package alcohol sales feel about billboards endorsing your cause? You want the “right” to buy your alcohol on Sundays but want to impede or totally halt the “right” of businesses to advertize. So, what’s fair for the goose ain’t necessarily fair for the gander?
gatorman770
February 24th, 2011
4:16 pm
I just hope it’s not paid for by taxpayers, the tree cutters are required to haul away all parts of trees cut and required to replant with low growing trees and other ground cover.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
4:20 pm
Last Man Standing:
There are other ways for everyone to bring attention to their “cause” or business.Billboards are NOT essential to a businesses growth, especially in this information age.
Bruce
February 24th, 2011
4:24 pm
Herschel has multiple personalities so he may also agree with Dooley!!
Pro Business
February 24th, 2011
4:26 pm
State of Panic. You are an absolute idiot who knows nothing about business. Go sit on your porch and smoke your corn pipe and let business people decide what is best for this state.
flintrock70
February 24th, 2011
4:31 pm
@5150 UOAD
Wrong again. Remember that we pay our income taxes out of our checks. These companies do not pay any taxes at all! I read the legislation that would actually require them to pay something last year, HB 1246. And it was that which was used to keep them at bay. The agreement was, they wouldn’t be charged taxes and we’d keep the trees. Bone up on your history son.
flintrock70
February 24th, 2011
4:34 pm
Being pro-trees = pro-business. Go to the coast and ask the tourists what would they rather see, trees or billboards as they make their trek there.
Pro Business
February 24th, 2011
4:39 pm
Aqua Girl you obviously no nothing about business as well. First of all I am an an engineer but feel that everyone is entitled to make money in the world in a fair regulated industry. Billboards do not pollute the air and actually helps our state generate revenue for small business all over Georgia. Yes i agree that adult clubs are a bit of an eyesore and would rather not see them on billboards but this product helps small businesses everywhere especially tourists driving our interstates. It can also be seen as a safety product for someone that needs a hotel or gas station. So open your eyes people and think about all the people with jobs behind these billboards and how many people they effect. Put your emotions aside. WAKE UP!!!!
Pro Business
February 24th, 2011
4:43 pm
Another idiot in flintrock. You obviously would rather see people peddling for pennies then see people working in a very clean and honest business. If you read HB 179 you illiterate shmuck you would see that the companies will be paying taxes, paying state owned arborists and replacing all trees that are taken down. Wake and up and stop living in the 1950’s.
no taxes?
February 24th, 2011
4:51 pm
no billboard fan here but billboards are subject to property taxes. the billboard site is taxed, and the billboard is taxed as personal property.
Prez Obozo the real CLOWN!
February 24th, 2011
5:16 pm
Scum lobbyist bought off the trashy politicians with under the table money & golf trips for the sissy’s! I wish I was fueling two planes, one transporting the lobbyist & one transporting politicians. I would give them just enough fuel to run out far over the ocean & sleep like a baby!
MC
February 24th, 2011
5:18 pm
Another black eye for the most backward state in this country.
MC
February 24th, 2011
5:25 pm
And a dollar to a donut Pro Business is one of those “engineers” that sits in a cubicle all day doing CAD drawings for some billboard company.
Jay
February 24th, 2011
5:31 pm
Oh no!!!! Their relationship is shattered because they disagree on some trivial matter.
Ouside the Perimeter
February 24th, 2011
5:42 pm
Here’s a view from an extreme, hard-right conservative: leave the trees alone!
(1) And let the Legislature (oxymoron if ever there was one!) meet once every 40 years – a very good suggestion;
(2) Reword the legislation to clear-cut the billboards and let us again see our trees! (another very good suggestion).
(3) Test each legislator of GA to see if a reverse-lobotomy will bring back an IQ of at least 0 degree Centigrade;
(4) Check their High School test (WAIT! they didn’t go that far in school!), rather grade school test scores and see why they were passed out of school while in serious failure/default!
No damn wonder the T-party is gaining stature…they may have some candidates that can actually walk and chew gum simultaneously!!!
Allen
February 24th, 2011
5:44 pm
Georgia – The UGLY, BLIGHTED Billboard Capital of the South – KILL THE BLIGHT / SAVE THE TREES!
Chuck UGA
February 24th, 2011
5:54 pm
Rest assured the rednecks are gearing up to start the clear-cutting. You can also bet they will be cutting down a lot more trees than just the ones in front of the billboards…for a fee that is. Greedy sign owners and recneck tree surgeons…not a good mix. Neither give one good dam about the environment. Pitiful new law.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
5:57 pm
Pro Business:
I normally don’t respond to juveniles but I’ll bite….
Someday you and your kind will realize that you can’t eat, drink, or breath money. We are not on this planet to make profits – something that was just completely made up before any of were born and unnecessary to our survival. You’re an engineer. Try building a bridge out of money.
We have one planet and we can rape it for profit as we’ve been doing or act responsibly for the sake of future generations. We’ve cut enough trees and blown up enough mountains and polluted enough streams already.
Time to GROW UP…..
olddawg
February 24th, 2011
6:39 pm
Herschel is just trying to look out for his old buddy PULPWOOD SMITH!!!!
Courtney Fuhrman
February 24th, 2011
7:05 pm
If i knew NATHAN DEAL , WAS going to kill HOPE< i would have voted for the other joker.
Curious George
February 24th, 2011
7:06 pm
I had no idea! Where is Dooley coaching these days?
Momof3
February 24th, 2011
7:24 pm
Reading this email chain I see Pro Business in the right here. State of Panic is nothing but a tree hugging idiot who would rather see people peddle money on a street corner then earn an honest living. You grow up and understand that this is America and we believe in freedom and that everyone has the right to work in a very legit industry.
Momof3
February 24th, 2011
7:25 pm
State of Panic show your facts and not emotion and then write something that makes sense.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
8:00 pm
Momof3:
There is evidence for EVERYTHING I just said and I stand by it 100000%. Do your research instead of letting industry brainwash you. Every life-sustaining system on this planet is in crisis because of our insatiable appetite for consumption and acquisition.
You guys are clueless. This isn’t about tree hugging. It’s about sustainability which happens to be the enemy of profit. I’d rather have a planet for my grandkids to enjoy than a hyped up GDP that only the top 1% can truly benefit from. If that makes me an idiot then I’ll wear the label proudly.
B-Bro
February 24th, 2011
8:04 pm
They were each paid to do the calling. Them Dawgs don’t like standing on the porch waiting for thier pizza delivery tip.
sweet leaf
February 24th, 2011
8:32 pm
@ State of Panic – I am all for the environment…but this bill will not hurt mother nature….the trees will be replaced in area that need them!!!!
If you really have an issue talk about all the JUNK mail we get everyday…this kills WAY more trees…do they replace the trees they kill?
jim
February 24th, 2011
8:34 pm
Dooley is drawing a big check, you people better worry about how you are going to pay your bills. who cares what he thinks.
Tom
February 24th, 2011
8:50 pm
That stretch of I-75 around Valdosta has more billboards and is more ugly than anywhere in this nation. I do not even stop for gas or food there anymore.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
8:51 pm
Sweet Leaf – I’m soooo beyond this bill at this point. It’s just a small piece to a much larger puzzle as far as I’m concerned. But to answer your question: Some companies do replace the trees but not nearly enough. You shouldn’t have to beg companies to replace trees they cut but the profit motive brings out the worst in companies so we have to remind them that we aren’t importing more resources from the moon or mars. They don’t like that since they all operate under this paradigm of infinite growth so they come up with this stupid “tree hugger” moniker to discredit folks like you and I and all these brainwashed industry lackies think it’s soooooo cute.
GatorHater
February 24th, 2011
8:52 pm
GO DAWGS!!!
conservative, not republican
February 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
Virtually none of the current state legislators and not many of the US Congressmen give a gnats arse about our thoughts except at election time, and then only lip service.
Next time, vote against all incumbents. They have proven that they will tell you whatever you want to hear to get reelected, and then afterwards cater to the wants of the lobbyists.
How often do you have to be figuratively slapped in the face?
Richard Bagge
February 24th, 2011
9:40 pm
I enjoy driving through Vermont and New Hampshire. There are NO billboards.
State of Panic
February 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
conservative, not republican:
Preach on brother (or sister)!
Hangdown your head Vince Doodley.....
February 24th, 2011
9:56 pm
If Vince the Scumbag, cheating Prince ever calls me to defend a measure in the Georgia or Federal House I’ll choose the other side……..the man is a complete scumbag and a liar of all sorts. Who will he lobby to defend his position here? Will he lobby another after the fact to defend his “We cheat because everyone else does” actions or will he admit his scumbag actions? Vince Doodley is trash now and forever. He never earned anything associated w/Ugag while he was Head Cheater, er Coach, and nothing has changed. HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD VINCE DOODLEY, HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD LOW. HANG DOWN YOUR REMEDIAL HEAD LOWLY, HANGDOWN YOUR 1ST GRADE CLASSES LOW. Between 1978-1988 Vince Doodley had a team full of players that couldn’t have been accepted at schools considering mildly retarded applicants. But, of course, at Ugag, these kind of Neanderthals were welcomed without question. Vince Doodley is a scumbag and embarrassment to the state of Georgia……..
Steve
February 24th, 2011
10:37 pm
Wait – is that good Herschel or bad Herschel making the calls???
Lady Bird
February 24th, 2011
10:38 pm
How else would I know the upcoming exit has an outlet mall with a strip club across the street?
Rob
February 24th, 2011
11:26 pm
Is Herschel Walker a registered lobbyist? Not according to the Georgia Ethics Commission. Yet, if he was calling legislators directly (rather than constituents, like Dooley) I think he would need to be registered. Who is paying him?
ugagrad_2001
February 25th, 2011
12:26 am
In reply to “what the media doesn’t tell you”-
In regard to truth #1, I am a registered Professional Engineer who practices civil engineering. I am well aware of what a right of way is. I have laid out enough to be well aware of the conceptual and technical definition of a right of way. You, on the other hand, are describing the right of way boundary lines, which is a common misconception of the general public. The right of way is the entire area between the two outer boundary lines which include the paved area, median, shoulder, ditch, backslope, etc.
In regard to “truth #2″, if you travel I-75 in south Georgia you will see anywhere new lanes are constructed GDOT has the entire R/W cleared the entire width between the outer boundary lines and fences erected at the R/W boundary. Many of the places where this clearing has been done is not integral to the construction in progress. GDOT is paying contractors to clear the entire R/W width even where not required for the construction project.
In regard to “truth #3″, I don’t have any data. I am not a professional wildlife researcher, but I do have common sense and an awful lot of deer hunting experience. Your statement that it is impossible to keep wildlife out of roadways is 100% accurate. However, I do know from experience that deer are more comfortable if they have escape cover nearby and tend to avoid areas where there is a lack of escape cover. I also know from experience and common sense that you have more time to react to a deer standing in a clear opening 40′ from the edge of pavement than one standing hidden among trees 15′ from the edge of pavement.
In regards to “truth #4″, I am well aware of the GDOT’s Utility Facility Accomodation Policy. I have designed, applied for and received permits, and oversaw construction on countless miles of water and sewer lines within GDOT R/W. You could pretty much say I am an expert on the topic if there is such a thing. The same policy applies to overhead and underground power, phone and cable tv as well as underground gas pipelines. The fact is utility lines are installed in GDOT R/W on a daily basis. GDOT most certainly “regulates” this activity through their Utility Facility Encroachment permitting process, its called GUPS- google it. As a condition of this utility permitting process, GDOT requires the portion of the right of way between the permitted utility facility and the nearest R/W boundary line to be cleared regardless of whether or not the clearing is otherwise required for utility installation. No one at GDOT will admit to this I am sure, but this policy is their way of utilizing the utility permitting system to help them keep their R/W’s clear at no cost to GDOT.
In regards to “truth’s #5 &6″, I was not saying permits are not currently issued. I was throwing out a hypothetical proposal for a new system. Perhaps it was poorly worded and confusing to someone of your intellect. In regards to the distance, keep in mind I am arguing the point that clearing the R/W is a positive (the oposite of your arguement). My proposal has nothing to do with the allowable distance between billboards. Just because it is permissible to have them at a 500′ spacing does not mean that there will be one actually located every 500′ along the R/W boundary. My proposed requirement would put some of the R/W maintenance burden on the billboard companies. The 0.5 mile of clearing in each direction would be the price paid by the billboard company in exchange for the permit.
In regards to “truth #7″, again I am not an insurance executive nor have I studied the state budget in depth. I am simply using a little common sense to draw some conclusions. I have already demonstrated in my previous statements that GDOT desires to keep the R/W clear and spends taxpayer (that is the only kind of dollars GDOT has access to) dollars to do so. Therefore, I can logically come to the conclusion that requiring billboard companies to assume a larger share of that cost will save the GDOT (taxpayer) dollars. Also, I have clearly explained why having a clear R/W will help to lessen (not eliminate) the number of deer caused accidents. Fewer accidents should lead directly to lower insurance rates, assuming you have an ethical insurance company (which is quite a logical leap, I know).
DeafGary
February 25th, 2011
3:28 am
Looking back to when one #34 bolted UGA, to join the New Jersey Generals, I have to wonder if Herschel’s response has money behind it.
Who paid him to say that?
Middle GA Reader
February 25th, 2011
3:33 am
I wish we could go back to the days, when you purchased whatever you liked, without some PR company filling your mailbox, with junkmail.
I’d love to see the day, when Western Auto sold everything from auto parts to baseball equipment, like they did, when I was a kid – 35+ years ago (my first baseball glove was a WA Speical..I used it until I needed a first baseman’s mitt, which was purchased at a local sporting goods store), to b-b guns – you name it, they sold it.
With the advent of WalMart, et al, the smaller stores have become obsolete.
It’s all about money, folks. No matter what WE want, the people, with the money, will get THEIR way!
Common Sense
February 25th, 2011
6:26 am
I don’t have a problem with billboard companies having the right to cut down trees in front of their signs. I use to own 5 billboards. I paid plenty of taxes on them. Glad I sold them…. Local government doesn’t want them, and they will give you hell about them. Never put adult themes on our billboards. For those worried about the “green space” loss, we have more trees now since the 1920s. Its true…. Modern farming techniques have increased the green space. We farm less and produce more.
woebegong
February 25th, 2011
7:21 am
Drivers in the state of Georgia never see the billboards when driving anyway. They are too distracted for the most part, with the cell phone glued to their face.
Most forget to stop at stop signs or red lights as it is, LOL.
babs
February 25th, 2011
9:50 am
To “attract business” our state needs to actually remain attractive. Trees are pretty. Billboards are not.
Tweets that mention Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker on opposite sides of billboard fight | Political Insider -- Topsy.com
February 25th, 2011
9:56 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Caldwell Tree Care, Trees Atlanta. Trees Atlanta said: Proof that we all have a Dawg in this fight http://ow.ly/438IS [...]
Disgusted Valdostan
February 25th, 2011
11:47 am
Have you seen most of Georgia’s “nearly 25 million acres of timberland”? What utter BS! Just drive between Valdosta and Brunswick to get a taste of these ugly, sterile planted pines, that provide neither good habitat for wildlife nor visual aesthetics for those driving through these endless stretches of monotony. How disingenous are the billboard corporate shills and their bought and paid for pols, for offering the existence of these abominable corporation pine plantations, as justification for whacking down OUR (not yours) trees that are on PUBLIC land, in order that Cafe Risque billboards may assail our eyeballs on the long trip to Atlanta.
woebegong
February 25th, 2011
7:06 pm
The way to halt all of these ugly bulletin boards springing up in Georgia is two fold. Vote against the politicians that voted to allow this bill and secondly; Make a conscious effort not to use the services or buy whatever they advertise.
What "what the media doesn't tell you", DOESN'T TELL YOU
February 25th, 2011
11:15 pm
Since you are so factual with your information, why did you neglect to inform the public that VINCE DOOLEY was the “Special Guest Speaker” for the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia LAST YEAR????? Don’t dish it if you can’t dish it all…………
Pro Business
February 26th, 2011
12:08 pm
To All, I cannot remember the last time a tree paid my mortgage. If a tree can do this please show me how.
Jeff Garner
February 26th, 2011
9:57 pm
Unfortunately, another win for the special interests …this is disgraceful for Georgia.
Toomer Oak
February 26th, 2011
10:40 pm
That is a vote against the Toomer Oaks.
Robert
February 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
All billboards are illegal in Vermont. Vermont is one of the nicest states to drive around in. I did a vacation there and loved it.
Toomer Oak
February 26th, 2011
10:43 pm
I hope I-275 to/from Columbus is spared.
BillyTheKid
February 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
Your fat cat Republicans won the election and now you can’t understand why they side with business. You just don’t get it. Repbulicans = Big Business. Why should you be surprised ignoramus.
Gator Guy
February 26th, 2011
10:48 pm
I wonder how many golf trips, dinners, and other campaign “donations” it took from billboard owners and advertisers to get that one passed. Really folks, did you expect anything less from elected officials–They might as well put FOR SALE signs on their votes these days.
Toomer Oak
February 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
I guess Georgia does not need a crazed fan to poison their oaks, they even vote people to legally do it.
harold
February 26th, 2011
11:07 pm
This state been a garbage dump long as I can remember
Ted Striker
February 26th, 2011
11:08 pm
Nobody ever won me over about an issue by calling my house during dinner on a pre-recorded robo call.
Vote for Pedro
February 26th, 2011
11:11 pm
Now we can erect some Georgia On My Mind billboards to convince people to move here! Yeah!!
DD795
February 27th, 2011
12:07 am
I think Herschel has been tackeled to many times and messed his head up. Take all the signs down.
Mark Phoss
March 2nd, 2011
12:49 pm
Check out this funny video on this dumb bill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69IaIQ0hV8E