First of all, let me begin with this question: upon elections, did not all the elected officials make this promise, we will serve to protect and promote small business? As (Florence County) Councilman (Ken) Ard said, small business is the life-blood of Florence. Yet we have another council member, Mr. (James) Schofield, with an agenda dating back as far as 2002 who wishes to restrict and/or do away with the most affordable form of advertising for small business in Florence County.
He has drafted himself alone a proposal to the planning commission that will restrict the use of portable signs on four-lane roads to possibly three months in a calendar year with a permit fee of $20 per month. His concern seems to be economic development officials who visit our area may view these signs distasteful.
The most distasteful scenery I view is the abandoned buildings, businesses destroyed by fire still standing, boarded up homes that create a drug haven for dealers and homicide victims. The scenic view at our airport for those visiting our area is quite impressive; maybe they are blindfolded until these officials reach their destination.
I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I would think our tax dollars and energy of our council member would be put to better use to address “the big picture.”
As a small business owner who utilizes these portable signs, they have generated more business for me than any other means of affordable advertising.
They assist in identification, where as the owners of these strip malls may permit identification with a 18-inch-by-3-foot signage panel placed high above the line of sight on a 30-foot pole. They also assist in promoting products, special sale events, elections and special savings. This issue concerns the use of all types of portable signs not to exclude the signs posted by Realtors for the sale of property.
They are not permanent but yet they are not required to pay the county a permit fee. So why tax small business even more? Well, here is your opportunity have your voice heard today at noon at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library located at 509 S. Dargan St.
This meeting is open to the public, and I urge all small business owners to make attendance of this meeting a priority. I know that the majority of the council members are looking out for small business and would appreciate your support at this meeting.
I would like to remind citizens of Florence of all the businesses that have had to close their doors, so now is not the time to restrict our affordable advertising and add a tax on top of that. Mark your calendar and join me in putting this proposal to an end.
Jeanne Carmichael
Florence
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