From The State:
South Carolina Governor, Mark Sanford, vetoed a bill meant to prevent local governments from removing billboards that don’t comply with city or county laws.
In a letter to House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, Sanford said he vetoed the bill because it favors the outdoor advertising industry over other types of businesses and property owners.
Conservationists and scenic highway activists were elated with Sanford’s veto Tuesday night.
“I can’t believe he did it,’’ said Van Kornegay, a member of Citizens for a Scenic South Carolina. “I know he faced intense pressure from a lot of different quarters.’’
There are about 6,500 billboards on interstates, U.S. highways and other major thoroughfares in the state, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation, which permits those signs.
Thanks to Evan Tishuk for the tip.