Race for the Robe -- Lawn signs of the times
They began sprouting just as the trees dropped their buds. Lawn signs and lilacs. A uniquely American tradition. One of the questions most asked is "Isn't there an ordinance limiting when lawn signs can go in before an election?" The answer in our town is "no." If the metal poles can pierce the ground, the sign may go up. Maybe that will change in the future. Other communities have adopted stricter rules.
In the last race the opponent began planting signs in February in a slow and steady march across town. That was ten months before the November election. By midsummer the pale signs had adopted a moldy tint. Still, the calls for signs escalated. On July 4th Bill and the kids installed hundreds. Never having had a my name on a sign anywhere but the office parking place, we drove around town afterwards in awe.
Funny thing about political lawn signs, many disappear like magic. Perhaps it's prankster kids who don't realize the out of pocket cost to the candidate--which can be in the thousands.
This year it's been a bit more gruesome as angry types rip up signs leaving their mangled carcasses replanted in the lawn for the family to see as they head out early in the morning. One close friend got a chest thumping visit from an opponent and an overseas "dignitary" on Father's Day over his. Politics ain't for sissies. At least there were no horse heads. Yet.
The green side of me nods to the creative folk at Wired Art Works who collect metal frames after each election turning lawn sign frames into fun yard art that function long after the polls close. Wired Art can be purchased on Friday mornings at the Dearborn Farmers Market.
My mother, always a "saver," kept a sign (or ten) turned inside out to mark her garage sales.
Candidates may not be able to agree on much, but one thing is unanimous--it's an honor and a privilege when someone agrees to show support in a visual and open manner, right on their lawn. It's difficult to pull the stakes in and out each time the grass requires mowing--in this drought even more of a challenge.
There was a moment on election day in 2008 while standing outside the Long School Precinct when the magnitude of it all came into focus. I'd walked to the car for a moment. Stopping to turn and look back the length of the street I took in the rows of signs, the flags cracking in the wind and friends standing in the chill handing out poll cards. Regardless of the outcome, it was one moment of a lifetime.
I'll cherish it forever.
Satin
6:51 pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
I think there should be a law that lawn signs shouldn't come out for at least thirty days before an election.
TruthDear
12:48 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
I agree, and there should be consequences for the politicians who dump their signs in vacant lots and on easements especially if they leave them up after the election.
whachadune
12:52 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
How does Somers afford all those signs when he has a million dollar judgment against him? Better yet, how is he still on the bench?
Angelo
8:30 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Bluto O'Reilly is subsidizing Somers' campaign thats why you see the Somers' signs in and around the City, but they are both going to be embarrassed next Tuesday, when Somers gets beat at the polls badly by the way.
Where's The Beef?
9:05 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
How about telling us ten specific things you'd do to improve the efficiency and operations of the 19th district court instead of harping about your opponents' lawn signs?
Sal
7:42 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
I think the comment about the horses head is totally inappropriate and shows extremely bad taste. Is this really the type of person we want on our bench? The ethnic attacks on any group is wrong and should not be tolerated. This candidate is very reckless with her comments! "voter fraud" and now this.
WAW
7:59 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
Thanks for the mention! This is WAW (Wired Art Works) requesting that everyone do their civic duty and get out and vote. Freedom is not Free. We all need to participate in the process to make it work.
Frank Lee
4:09 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
This lady Abbot will dump lawn signs on public property, but when the city attempted to put a nature trail on public property she sued because she dors not want seniors and children recreating near her home. This is the ultimate example of entitlement, and she's not even elected yet.
Cindy Pask
2:43 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Thats ok that is her right.......I wouldn't want children playing around my house. And she had every right to stop it, Someday Mr.Frank Lee karma will bite you in the butt.And they will build a swimming for the children right next door to where you live. Or do you live in a high rise were this wouldn't bother you. Either way Mr Lee.. It is her right. And not you to judge....
Lee Jacobsen
9:38 pm on Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lawn signs are a 'rite' of politicking , and , by far, the winner in Aug was 'Sam'.
He had thousands of them everywhere, including flowerpots, balconies, sidewalks etc. Hope he has an army to take them all down, or can he leave them up until Nov?
My sign was a 'traveling ' sign, we drove that 40 Packard everywhere, covered with magnetic signs, and got lots of 'thumbs up'. Not sure if they were for Karen, or the Packard, but it was fun. Now , defeated, back to the grindstone, and the Packard back into the 'barn' where it was found.
On bike paths/trails, a related inquiry. Any interest in having more bike racks around town, say at least one in each of the major parking lots so Dearbornites can ride to restaurants, lock up their bikes, and later, ride off the meals on the way home.?
Right now, unless I just am missing them, don't see em around. Maybe there is a good reason for that. There is State money available for bike racks, if the city asks for it, out of the transportation fund, up to 3% of the state transportation monies spent in Dearborn. Bike trails are ok, but we need ( in my opinion) to make riding bikes around the city a little more friendly, and having bike parking spaces is a start, especially as the money to do so is there for the asking. Will find out more Aug 15th and let folk know.