Tuckahoe Village Departments

TUCKAHOE TALK
With Mayor John Fitzpatrick

SIGNS, SIGNS . . . EVERYWHERE SIGNS

July 20, 2008

Election season brings lawn signs. Our town will have a longer than normally tolerated season of signs due to a Republican primary for Town Board. Before long there will not be a resident who has not seen these signs. At some point, for most of us, the lawn signs become invisible or “white noise”. Conventional wisdom says that they must have some advantage to one’s candidacy since everyone utilizes them. Political gurus in all parties never-endingly espouse the necessity of getting one’s name out there, and also believe that if not reminded, many won’t vote. Somehow, this November I don’t think Americans are going to miss out on casting a vote.

Apparently, even the color of lawn signs has many implications in the contest to hold public office. I have always wondered when a candidate adopts a red, white and blue scheme if they are viewed as more American than their opponent. The GOP seems to have embraced red, and it is a good strong color. The color of love and heat . . . and a color that supposedly raises one’s heart rate. Democrats seem to have gravitated towards blue. Interestingly, blue is an opposite of sorts with red. Blue is tranquil and peaceful and some say it represents loyalty. When a Republicans chooses blue does he/she do it to depict a more moderate image? And similar questions must be asked of a Democrat using red. Green is now a movement larger than just the color. It can be used to subliminally denote environmental consciousness. Whichever color is chosen it is a marketing decision, attempting to visually portray the candidate long before he/she arrives on our doorstep.

The political lawn sign is just another part of the commercialism and marketing that is ever prevalent in our world. Many Americans believe success is tied to presentation of the right image. We dislike being placed in a category for marketers and thereby arrive in another category. The twenty-somethings that fight for individuality in our commercial world can still be categorized and sold a product. We are all subjected to such massive doses of advertising that at moments we forget it is happening. Occasionally we have moments of clarity. A recent one, at the Fitzpatrick home, came when our five-year-old, James, reminded us of the very important caveat “plus shipping and handling”.

Commendably residents of Bronxville seem to willingly comply with that village’s “No Lawn Sign” policy. During last year’s overhauling of Tuckahoe’s outdated and confusing sign law, I contemplated publicly debating a provision banning these lawn signs. However, two concerns prevented me from doing so. First, it might appear as if I were hindering opposition in future races. Incumbency has built in advantages, so it is important to me that future challengers have all of the usual opportunities. Secondly, I was pretty sure that such an obvious affront to the freedom of speech would never withstand constitutional challenge. In the end, however, I truly believe the Village would look better without lawn signs.

The Village of Tuckahoe Sign Law regarding political signs is as such; signs may be placed 60 days before an election. Corner properties are entitled to place two signs. All other properties shall display only one. This all seems fairly simple, but for some reason many don’t obey this rule. Perhaps it is ignorance of the rules. The political operatives of campaigns place a great many signs on public property, which is unlawful. I have instructed the DPW to remove any signs from public property. These signs can be seen flooding the gateways to communities.

As with most contests there can be a darker side. Political lawn signs are no exception. Perhaps only the police and candidates are privy to the fact that very often a candidate’s political signs are stolen or defaced. This “sign war” phenomenon is often blamed on kids, but I don’t think they care enough to bother; my money is on over zealous supporters.

Political lawn signs announce to our neighbors that we support or even share the values of a certain candidate. They also discourage opposing party candidates from bothering us at the door. Beyond these benefits I don’t believe lawn signs offer very much to our residents. In fact, I think they are more of an annoyance. Even having to decline a request to place a sign on your property can be uncomfortable. Regardless of my personal feelings concerning lawn signs, to assure my support, I will inevitably have one on my lawn as well. Perhaps in Tuckahoe a gentleman’s agreement of sorts will take place in the future, and political lawn signs will not litter our village. However, with all of the self-appointed political consultants involved, even in our small village elections, I wouldn’t suggest holding your breath.