Mayor Martin Chavez declared Thursday that fliers posted to utility poles are ruining Albuquerque's beauty and began tearing them down on Central Avenue across from UNM's campus.
Chavez said that while he supports the cultural inclusion of putting up fliers for local band shows and missing pets, he wants to take legal action against out-of-state companies that illegally post weight loss and get-rich-quick schemes, which he said pray on poorer New Mexicans.
"They can't be posted without permission," he said. "The folks doing the scams know that very well."
City attorney Robert White said he is trying to track down the companies so the city can file suits against them with the U.S. Attorney's Office. He also warned people to steer clear of the advertisements, and if they do call the 1-800 numbers, then to be careful before sending money.
Chavez added that the keeping the city beautiful means keeping the fliers off the poles and people should begin tearing them down no matter what part of Albuquerque they're in.
UNM student Danny Hernandez, who is also the University Heights Association president, disagreed with Chavez and said that he thinks that all fliers should come down from the utility poles - including UNM event postings.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"It's litter," Hernandez said. "It literally comes down in my neighborhood if someone puts it up."
He said that it is illegal to post billboards on the public right of way and all the neighborhoods along Central Avenue, including Nob Hill, University Heights, Silver Hill and Spuce Park, have policies against the fliers.
"There are worse things in the world," Hernandez said. "I just don't like it when people pick on us."
Despite disagreeing with Chavez, Hernandez said he understands the mayor's declaration needed to be more focused on the advertisements.
"I see his position," he said. "He sees the start-your-own-business, lose weight scams as a big problem and I can see that's why wants to target them. My view is strictly from the neighborhood association point of view."
Chavez said that those who participate in tearing down the most signs will be awarded month-long passes to the Albuquerque Biological Park after presenting the trash at a collection site on Griegos Road and Edith Boulevard.
"Go get those sordid signs," he said. "They're all over town."
City workers brought a truck from the Solid Waste Management Department and mingled around the Diamond Shamrock on Central Avenue while handing out trash bags and gloves to community members. After tearing down the first fliers from the utility pole in front of the gas station, the crowd dispersed down Central Avenue with their bags.
