Sign-Loving Citizens Strike Back

Beating Back the New “Welcome to Colorado” Sign

By Jenny Shank, 12-28-05



	Caption: Photo courtesy of the State of Colorado.

Roger Fillion reported in the Rocky Mountain News today that Colorado's Office of Economic Development's proposal for new "Welcome to Colorado" signs has rustled the feathers of many Coloradoans ("Signs of dissent for plan"). Fillion writes, "On Friday, a negative commentary that was posted on the New West site about the proposed signs was the most commented-on article, attracting five comments that nixed the design." (See "Bad Design to Replace Historic 'Welcome to Colorful Colorado' Signs") The News has fielded several calls and emails complaining about the proposal to do away with the beloved classic signs, as has the Office of Economic Development. Fillion’s article reveals that a cabal of "public relations, advertising and marketing firms" is behind the new, Wal-Mart-like design. In response to the negative publicity, Brian Vogt, director the Office of Economic Development, released a new Glamour Shot of the proposed design to the News, with the new bland sign apparently Photoshopped in over one of the existing signs. In the photo featured in Fillion’s article, dawn is breaking over the Colorado prairie, bathing the sign in golden light. But even with the best lighting tricks, this sign still looks like a two-bit poseur compared to the brown "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs, which have marked the state’s borders since 1950. As one caller to the News said, "Leave them alone. It’s Western. It’s retro. It’s cowboyish."

Governor Owens and the Colorado Transportation Commission still have to approve the proposal, so those interested in preserving the classic signs should email Governor Owens at governorowens@state.co.us or call CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman at (303) 757-9362. [End of article]

Comment By Andy B, 12-28-05

The state is literally trying to cast the new design in the best light possible.

In the picture of the proposed sign, note that the photo is shot in the best light of the day – twilight – while most of the appearance of the sign is obscured by shadows. By contrast, the photo of the existing sign is shot in the worst light of the day – full afternoon sun.

If they were confident in their design they would show the public an apples-to-apples comparison. Instead, they’re trying to trick us into buying their ugly fake rock.

Comment By Alisa, 5-18-09

I don’t mid road safety signs ( http://www.afly.com/view_release.php?rel_id=24772 ) being updated but when they try to change a classic sign which has existed for many years it’s obvious they are running out of things to do. I hope popular demand wins and it stays how it is.

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