Dear Editor: I have had my own sign company in Rockdale for almost 20 years and was originally invited to Conyers almost 30 years ago by Mike and Joe Kelly to help with their sign shop on Railroad Street. Having been in the sign industry for almost 40 years, starting out as a hand painter in 1974, I would like to think I know a little bit about signs! The funny thing is, these proposed changes to the existing sign ordinance for Rockdale County, to be "more in line" with the city codes, is not so much about signs. It's a little bit about business owners buying a sign when they first went into business and assuming they could keep it and a lot about business owners and landlords having a need to advertise their businesses effectively. We are asking for a delay in the second reading, or back to a first reading since it has been modified so much. As business owners, not just sign shop owners, with "skin in the game," we need more time to come together and review these changes.

We owe a great deal of thanks to David Shipp and all others involved from the Chamber of Commerce who have spent their time reviewing this document and asking the necessary questions in order for this to be delayed in the first place. David was the only person representing the community at the first reading. This would be a good time to mention how important the Conyers-Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce is to all of us!

I'm not quite sure where we go from here or what our rights are. We will certainly be meeting again to discuss the options we may have.

This has allowed me the opportunity to get reconnected with the other sign business owners in our community, which is a good thing.

We really appreciate being asked for our input from the county as well as the commissioners agreeing to defer the vote to give us all more time. To be continued.

Kim Morgan Young
Sign-a-rama