Scenic News:
MUCC LAUNCHES ONLINE PETITION TO EXPAND BOTTLE BILL
Signatures to be presented at grassroots push in Lansing on Thursday
LANSING—The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) today announced an online petition to expand the state's 32-year-old Bottle Bill to include water and other non-carbonated beverage containers. The effort was started to allow all of Michigan citizen's the opportunity to inform the legislature of the broad public support for the measure. The petition will also supplement a grassroots legislative day slated for Thursday, June 26 in Lansing.
"MUCC and Michigan residents need to step up to the plate as one united voice on this issue," said MUCC Executive Director Dennis Muchmore.
According to MUCC poll data, 76 percent of Michigan voters support expanding the state's famous bottle law – outside data shows this support above 80 percent. However, Muchmore said that the legislature must hear Michigan's demand for this measure beyond poll data with an old-fashioned grassroots push.
"Last week we got the legislature's attention but now it's time to act," Muchmore said. "MUCC is calling on the 80 percent majority of Michigan voters who support improving Michigan's Bottle Bill to take a small step in making their voice heard, whether its signing this petition, attending our legislative day, or contacting their state legislators."
Michigan residents may visit http://www.mucc.org/policy/bottlebillexpansion.php to sign the petition and access other valuable information on the Bottle Bill expansion, including a sample letter to the editor, background facts, and more information on the legislative day on June 26. Facebook and MySpace users are also encouraged to join MUCC's "Support a Bigger, Better Bottle Bill for Michigan!" groups that will provide real-time updates on the initiative's progress.
SCENIC MICHIGAN PRESENTS 2007 HERO AWARD
TO SENATOR TOM GEORGE
Scenic Michigan presented the 2007 Scenic Hero Award to Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) at the Capitol on September 12, 2007. The award is given to individuals or organizations that make a significant and lasting contribution to preserving and protecting the scenic character of Michigan’s roads and communities.
According to Scenic Michigan President Bethany Goodman, “Senator Tom George sponsored legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Granholm in December of 2006, that prohibits new billboards in Michigan and caps the numbers of billboards in Michigan at existing levels. Senator George is truly a Scenic Hero for his longstanding commitment to protect the view from the road. We commend Senator George for the enactment of this legislation which is so valuable to all who appreciate Michigan’s outstanding scenic beauty and seek to protect this beauty for future generations.”
SCENIC MICHIGAN PRESENTS 2007 HERO AWARD TO LEELANAU PENINSULA VINTNERS ASSOCIATION
Scenic Michigan has presented the 2007 Scenic Hero Award to the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association. Accepting the award for the Association, was Adam Satchwell, President of the Leelanau Vintners Association and the winemaker for Shady Lane Cellars. The award is given to individuals or organizations that make a significant and lasting contribution to preserving and protecting the scenic character of Michigan’s roads and communities.
According to Scenic Michigan President Bethany Goodman, “The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association are true scenic heroes for their commitment to not participate in billboard advertising to promote their wineries. The Association believes that to preserve the scenic beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula, residents and visitors to their wineries deserve a view from the road that is not marred by the blight of billboards. Instead, they have chosen to promote their world-class wineries through other means, such as an excellent website and many media publications. We commend and applaud their vision and hope the Vintners will set an example for businesses throughout Michigan.”
More Scenic News
Appeals Court Decision: Sign Size Limitation Okay(Aug. 2004)
Lamar's First Punch to Elmira Township(Aug. 2004)
Pellston Couple win billboard lawsuit(Feb. 2004)
Senator George announces legislation to preserve Michigan’s natural beauty(Dec. 2003)
EPIC/MRA Statewide Survey(Fall 2003)
Senate Declares April 22, 2003 Scenic Michigan Day(Apr. 2003)
George Amendment Bans FIA Billboards(Apr. 2003)
Rohe: Group Offers Advice on Billboard Control(Feb. 2003)
Retired Librarian Takes On MDOT, Legislature over Billboard Law(Dec. 2002)
Wayne County Circuit Court Upholds Livonia's Billboard Ban(Jan. 2002)
Michigan Supreme Court Unanimously Empowers City of Holland to Ban New Billboards(May 2001)
Supreme Court Rules City of East Lansing Doesn't Have to Pay for Billboard Ban(July 2000)
Supreme Court Decision in Adams v. East Lansing(July 2000)
Victory in Adams Advertising in Michigan(July 2000)