Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Many of you know that I invest a great deal of time driving around the District. We have so much visual beauty, but then there is that mental pollution. I was taken aback when I saw a specific billboard on the west side of Meridian, facing south, right around 191st St. Research to the contrary is abundant.

The small print says,Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 2015 Survey, 2016 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, Washington State Department of Health "2016 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey Data Brief: Marijuana" Survey 2016.

It seems to me that the purpose of the message, aside from trying to manipulate the reader, is to get customers. Apparently, tall tales are protected by the 1st Amendment, just as adult magazines once were at the grocery store checkout stands. A consumer movement changed that.

The 1st Amendment protects speech, which is vital to a free country. However, it is important to note that silence is assumed consent.

The authority of a county council member is limited.  If you have concerns with the billboard, the Lamar Advertising Company may appreciate knowing, respectfully of course, your position on the message displayed. The goal would be to convince them that intentionally misleading and disingenuous advertising should not be acceptable in their company’s policy.

Please share this message with others if it is important to you. Contact information for Lamar Advertising is below. 

Lamar Advertising Company
5321 Corporate Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 237-1047
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday,
8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST

Thank you for allowing me to share my concerns with you!