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Board Approves Commuter Bus Advertisements
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Letters to the Editor
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Date: September 08, 2011 12:36PM
Board Approves Commuter Bus Advertisements
http://www.leesburg2day.com/news/article_fe1b13ec-da29-11e0-b239-001cc4c002e0.html
After months of debate, an almost unanimous Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted to allow advertisements on the county's commuter buses, as a way to bring in new revenue to the county.
Only Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) remained opposed to the idea, repeating his concerns that the advertisements could go too far and create a "tacky" look for the buses.
"This is a step in the wrong direction. The commuter buses are very attractive, everyone recognizes what they are when they see them," he said. "If we're going to do that, then why don't we just do bed sheet ads to be hung from this building or on all county vehicles."
But the remaining supervisors said they believed the advertisements could be done properly and in good taste, using the guidelines laid out in their action.
"I think we could do it in a very tasteful manner and see some extra revenue," Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large) said.
"I think the companies will get good value for the advertising and we'll get the revenue," Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac) said.
Staff estimates the advertising could bring in approximately $63,296 annually, and it would cost $5,000 for replacement of the large decals on the ten newest buses, at $500 each.
Among the restrictions included in the guidelines approved by the board are:
• Advertisements must be primarily for the purpose of promoting the sale of commercial goods or services;
• Advertisements supporting, opposing, portraying, or describing any political candidate, issue, or cause, or any public service, issue or cause, or any religion, denomination, creed, tenet, or belief are not permitted;
• Advertisements must be for goods or services that can be purchased legally in Loudoun by residents, regardless of age and without the consent of any other person;
• False, misleading, deceptive, or libelous advertising is not permitted;
• Advertisements for R-rated movies are permitted, provided that the pictures and text do not include anything that led to that rating;
• Advertisements portraying or describing nudity, obscenity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse are prohibited;
• Advertisements for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or controlled substances are not permitted;
• Advertisements for controlled substances that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription are allowed;
• Advertising may not include obscene or profane language or violent images;
• Advertisements promoting gambling are not permitted, with the exception of lotteries conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• Advertisements containing an overt endorsement of any product or service by the county's transit system, the Board of Supervisors, or the county are not permitted.
The county will use an advertising sales contractor, which staff says can be done without adding staff to perform and manage advertising sales. The advertising sales contractor will make sure any advertising meets the set guidelines. The county will not be reviewing any advertisements before they are placed on the buses. The advertisements will be placed at the front and back of each side of the commuter buses and will not obscure the Loudoun County Transit logo.
http://www.leesburg2day.com/news/article_fe1b13ec-da29-11e0-b239-001cc4c002e0.html
After months of debate, an almost unanimous Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted to allow advertisements on the county's commuter buses, as a way to bring in new revenue to the county.
Only Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) remained opposed to the idea, repeating his concerns that the advertisements could go too far and create a "tacky" look for the buses.
"This is a step in the wrong direction. The commuter buses are very attractive, everyone recognizes what they are when they see them," he said. "If we're going to do that, then why don't we just do bed sheet ads to be hung from this building or on all county vehicles."
But the remaining supervisors said they believed the advertisements could be done properly and in good taste, using the guidelines laid out in their action.
"I think we could do it in a very tasteful manner and see some extra revenue," Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large) said.
"I think the companies will get good value for the advertising and we'll get the revenue," Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac) said.
Staff estimates the advertising could bring in approximately $63,296 annually, and it would cost $5,000 for replacement of the large decals on the ten newest buses, at $500 each.
Among the restrictions included in the guidelines approved by the board are:
• Advertisements must be primarily for the purpose of promoting the sale of commercial goods or services;
• Advertisements supporting, opposing, portraying, or describing any political candidate, issue, or cause, or any public service, issue or cause, or any religion, denomination, creed, tenet, or belief are not permitted;
• Advertisements must be for goods or services that can be purchased legally in Loudoun by residents, regardless of age and without the consent of any other person;
• False, misleading, deceptive, or libelous advertising is not permitted;
• Advertisements for R-rated movies are permitted, provided that the pictures and text do not include anything that led to that rating;
• Advertisements portraying or describing nudity, obscenity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse are prohibited;
• Advertisements for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or controlled substances are not permitted;
• Advertisements for controlled substances that can be obtained through a doctor's prescription are allowed;
• Advertising may not include obscene or profane language or violent images;
• Advertisements promoting gambling are not permitted, with the exception of lotteries conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• Advertisements containing an overt endorsement of any product or service by the county's transit system, the Board of Supervisors, or the county are not permitted.
The county will use an advertising sales contractor, which staff says can be done without adding staff to perform and manage advertising sales. The advertising sales contractor will make sure any advertising meets the set guidelines. The county will not be reviewing any advertisements before they are placed on the buses. The advertisements will be placed at the front and back of each side of the commuter buses and will not obscure the Loudoun County Transit logo.