Signs of Positive Change for Our Roadways

I would like to recognize and thank both the Democrat and Republican candidates and local political parties for refraining from illegally placing campaign signs in the right of way.  Typically at this time in the election cycle the roadways are littered with political signs both big and small. This was despite the fact that the signs were illegal to place in the right of way, can be dangerous, obstruct sight distance, distract drivers and I believe are a blight on our community. They are also are costly for the state and county to deal with in these difficult budgetary times.

In December of 2011, in a bipartisan fashion, I began an effort to end the blight of illegal road signs. With the help and support of the Board of Supervisors and Delegate Dave Albo the law dealing with political signs was changed in the last legislative session to eliminate a Fairfax County exception for removing political signs.  Fairfax County is now working with VDOT to sign an agreement that would allow both the county and VDOT to remove illegally placed signs and fine the offender. 

In the meantime it appears that all but two candidates, one Democrat, one Republican, have been abiding by the law and respecting our community – If you see signs in the medians I encourage you to call candidates and ask them to remove their signs. To the candidates that have complied, I thank you for your respect of the law and our community.  Your compliance is also saving resources at the county and state level that can be better used for more pressing matters.

I would also like to thank VDOT for their support in the effort to end the blight of illegally placed road signs.  While they do not have the resources to remove all of the signs they are playing a key role in keeping the medians clear.

Supervisor Pat Herrity

springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov

703-451-8873

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield

www.facebook.com/pat.herrity