BURBANK : Council Weighing Fines to Curb Campaign Signs

The Burbank City Council is considering a proposal to fine or penalize political candidates whose campaign signs are found on city property, such as power poles.

The proposed fines would cover the cost of sending city employees to take down signs or placards, which have appeared in many places in anticipation of next month’s elections for the council and school board.

It is already illegal to post campaign literature on city property, City Atty. Joseph Fletcher said, but a new ordinance may be needed to add an enforcement process. Council members asked Fletcher on Tuesday night to draw up an ordinance and present it to the council Jan. 11.

Supporters said the city needs to control the “visual pollution” caused by the campaign signs of 22 council candidates and five school board hopefuls. Three seats on the five-member council are up for election Feb. 23 but no incumbents are seeking reelection.

But critics charge that the proposed fines are politically motivated, alleging that the pro-development council majority wants to thwart slow-growth challengers.