As the 2010 election comes to a close, our village will soon be cleansed of the brightly colored signage that scatters the streets. Until then, signs clump at intersections and sway in coastal breeze. They stand steadfast on private property and lobby at business forefronts.
Matt Hall jumped the gun, then covered every inch of the village with his red, white and blue diamonds. His last efforts included snagging early morning parking spots with sign laden vehicles. Farrah hit the streets with conversation, but went big with signage at heavy traffic intersections and Keith cluttered to keep up. Mark planted signs with a bit more decency and Walt Meier sank a golden star deep into the lagoon murk. Glen chose to hold up signs at forums and Jon Wantz’s few signs were backed with the power of innovation and a good ‘ole handshake.
Is this gluttonous littering of signs necessary? How do the council and mayoral hopefuls see the voters? From the unnecessary blanketing of signs, it seems as if some see us as potential voters unable to make an educated decision. Why clutter the streets with names, stars and waving flags? Should I vote for the candidate who’s name I see most often? The more signs, the better choice, right? The citizens of Carlsbad, and any community which has sniffed the stench of candidacy sign vomit, should feel insulted. Signs should be used by voters to show loyalty to a candidate on private property, not cluttered by candidates along public medians.
I propose future elections eliminate all public space sign placements other than one central billboard which would include all necessary information and the position each candidate holds. In addition, a neutral website should be created which would act in the same manner, but with the addition of community interaction such as open forums and comments.
Until then, I am standing up to signage and the candidates who think their blanketing of the village is the right way to gain votes. I am educated and able to make my own decision, one which comes through research, attended forums and a thorough investigation of character, not by driving down the road.
Bryan Snyder is a Carlsbad resident and artist. Visit www.snyderartdesign.com and www.carlsbadcrawl.com.
