Regarding the use of campaign signs (front page, Red Deer Advocate, Friday, Sept. 24), perhaps the time has come when everyone involved could or should consider rethinking the use of valuable resources, including public property, during the seven weeks leading up to the always exciting and energy-generating community exercise manifesting one of our democratic rights and responsibilities — the municipal election.
It has been my observation over many years that once the signs begin to mushroom on any and all corners in the city, the perspective becomes just a mish-mash of colours, photos, slogans and names. In fact, it becomes obtrusive and obstructive, particularly at busy locations, for instance at the corner of 32nd Street and Spruce Drive.
I wonder if, instead of being a positive influence helping people decide with whom they wish to cast their vote for city/county council and the school boards, the decoupage creates a negative connotation, perhaps even turning potential voters away from the process. What does a jungle of jarring propaganda do to get people to the polls, to educate them about the issues, to tell them something about the individual personalities, their attributes, abilities, etc.?
It seems to me that the resources consumed at each election could be utilized more efficiently and effectively, perhaps diverted to other more environmentally sensitive forms of advertising or public relations. Radio and newspaper ads coming to mind.
I wish Paul Harris and Hilary Penko well during this campaign. These two people have broken the mould, putting our environment first, which in itself tells me something about their character and motivation to become involved in local politics.
Peter A. Weddell
Red Deer