To the editor:

I spoke with my senator, James Seveney, earlier today.

He indicated he would not support (a General Assembly resolution that calls for the removal of various RhodeWorks signs throughout the state). Sen. Seveney said I was the only one complaining about this wasteful spending of RIDOT/RhodeWorks signage.

I strongly disagree.

Representatives Edwards, Canario and Mendonça will deliver both resolutions to the House leadership, the governor and RIDOT. I met with Rep. Edwards on Saturday to discuss this intention. Rep. Canario called me on Friday and Rep. Mendonça emailed me earlier today. They realize the Portsmouth and Tiverton town councils support my resolution by approving 6-0 in Portsmouth and 5-0 in Tiverton.

These signs are a waste of space, time and money for RIDOT to continue installing. Although they are “temporary,” is a sign up for a year prior to any work, void of any information, really temporary? What are the intentions of these signs? They are void of any information for accountability and transparency.

(RIDOT Director Peter) Alviti has committed 200-plus signs, many very close to our curbs on state roads, making these signs easy to crash into. A sign that indicates work will begin a year from now is not transparent or accountable for anything to anyone.

The Portsmouth and Tiverton town councils on April 24 approved a resolution requesting all RhodeWork signs be removed by May 26. This Senate resolution for immediate consideration bolsters the unanimous Town Council action of Portsmouth and Tiverton. It may also persuade Director Alviti to honor the request of Portsmouth and Tiverton to remove them by May 26.

(RIDOT spokesman) Charles St. Martin indicated in a press release last week that these signs are temporary. I do not agree with his assessment. Why should Rhode Island motorists be exposed to signs that have no content on a road that will not be worked on for a year?

Director Alviti indicated to a reporter he will ignore the resolutions. I will continue to raise the public’s attention to this wasteful spending, which block our views and create 200-plus more signs to crash into. The next time you drive by one of the 17 in Portsmouth, look how close they are to the curb.

They are not needed, unless there is a contract project underway and construction has started and is continuing. Two Mile Corner is a fine example.

RIDOT should be ordered to remove them in every community requesting their removal per the 5117 Senate resolution. Your support for a hearing on Wednesday will demonstrate to the voters the respect you have for your town and councils.

Please note these signs are not $135 net each, which was reported Sept. 28, 2016, Dec. 29, 2016 and Jan. 4, 2017. I have been denied the cost through my APRA request to RIDOT of Nov. 22, 2016 and Dec. 14, 2016. My appeal to the Rhode Island attorney general has been approved and is pending a review/determination.

Bristol Town Council is May 17, and Middletown is next.

Other communities will follow this movement.

John Vitkevich

119 Hummock Ave.

Portsmouth