Crossing the bridge into Tarentum used to be one of life’s simple pleasures, enjoying the topography, gentle town, the steel mill where Dad worked, the majestic Grandview School I attended. But now, the crossing elicits sadness and anger at the garish electronic billboard supplanting the familiar loveliness.

Tarentum officials made it abundantly clear to Oliver Outdoor that the community did not want their billboard. But Oliver must care only about revenue, not people or a community’s right to self-determination. Every little town working to revitalize must tighten their ordinances immediately, as Oliver lawyers seem to be on the prowl.

It is disheartening to see local businesses supporting this ugly symbol of capitalism at its worst. Those advertising dollars would be better spent on institutions that uplift the community like our struggling and useful Tribune-Review. Community organizations that cave to the temptation of free advertising become complicit in degrading the community they claim to support.

Although I will never patronize a business or organization that advertises in such a brazen manner, I suspect others will assume they are powerless and accept the intruder as inevitable. Only a collection of respectful, responsible businesses can stop the defacing of our towns by withholding the advertising dollars that feed these unwanted tumors on our landscapes. Loyal customers could encourage businesses to offer promotions that enhance their quality of life rather than undermine it.

Arlene Mercurio

New Kensington

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