Free distribution flier draws mayors’ ire

The mayors of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Rathdrum are concerned that an unsolicited advertising flier is causing litter and public safety problems.

The mayors sent Coeur d’Alene Press Circulation Director Dan Phillips a letter June 29 asking him to help find a solution to the “Expressions” advertiser that allegedly litters streets, gets caught in snow blowers and signals criminals that a homeowner is away.

The letter signed by Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem, Rathdrum Mayor Brian Steele and Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin states that the cities “ask for your help and your recognition of the responsibility you hold to do your part.”

If no solution is found, the mayors indicated that they may consider laws to stop the problem, which has also resulted in numerous public complaints.

Phillips didn’t return phone calls or e-mails Friday.

Attorney Jerry Mason, who represents Post Falls and Rathdrum, said he isn’t aware that Phillips has responded to the mayors’ letter.

The idea for the letter came after the cities started getting complaints from residents, and Rathdrum City Councilman Jesse Ojala raised the idea of passing a law.

Mason said the cities have no objection to the Coeur d’Alene Press or anyone else, from politicians to businesses, communicating with the public. The question is how the information is distributed.

He said most other free advertising publications, including those for cars and homes, are available in stands outside grocery stores, apartment buildings and other businesses. That way people can chose to pick them up.

“We are looking for help, a solution,” Mason said. “I’m sure nobody at the Press wants unkempt neighborhoods or to tip-off burglars.”

“Expressions” is a special section of the Coeur d’Alene Press distributed to households and businesses. A recent edition had Hollywood news on the front cover and classified advertisements inside. Grocery store ads are bundled with the section.

John Peace, of Coeur d’Alene, has complained for years about the free publication littering his yard and his Midtown neighborhood. When Peace complains, “Expressions” deliveries usually stop for a month or two. But eventually, he said, the papers reappear on his lawn or sidewalk.

“It’s just an eyesore,” Peace said.

He is glad the cities are taking action.

The Spokesman-Review delivers a similar nonsubscriber advertiser in Spokane County, but not in Kootenai County.

In a written statement, Shaun O’L. Higgins, the senior sales and marketing executive for The Spokesman-Review, said it’s important for newspapers not to allow their products to become litter.

“I think the key thing for all companies – and I’m sure the Press is as diligent about this as we are – is to make our best efforts to prevent litter from happening and when it does happen, help clean it up,” Higgins wrote. “That’s most likely to happen if people give us a call, tell us what and where the problem is and give us a chance to fix things if we can.”