Senator Decries Defeat of Measure To Make Candidates Clean Right-of-Ways of Campaign Signs

A measure that would have required candidates for office to pickup their campaign signs along state road and highway right-of-ways with 15 days of an election failed in the State Senate Wednesday morning.

“The state spends $4 million a year picking up trash on roadsides. State lawmakers, other elected officials and candidates shouldn’t be contributing to that problem,” said Senator Kenneth Corn, author of Senate Bill 603.

The measure, which was defeated on a 28-16 vote, would have required candidates to make a cash deposit with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission when they begin their campaign. Once their campaign ends, they would have 15 days after the election to collect their campaign signs from state right-of-ways.

For each sign that candidates do not pickup, they would be assessed a fine of $1 with the proceeds going to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the maintenance of state roads and highways, Corn explained.

The Poteau Democrat held the bill on reconsideration, meaning he could seek another vote on the measure before the Senate adjourns next Tuesday.

“In tight budget times, I am puzzled why Senators believe they should not be responsible for their campaigns and why they are willing to put that burden on the state,” Corn said.