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County councillor concerned about election sign clutter

Dismayed by U.S. election sign clutter, a Red Deer County councillor wants the municipality to take a stand and ban signs in the October municipal elections.Reimar Poth recently drove from New York to Georgia and was appalled by the endless lines of election signs along U.S. roadways.

Dismayed by U.S. election sign clutter, a Red Deer County councillor wants the municipality to take a stand and ban signs in the October municipal elections.

Reimar Poth recently drove from New York to Georgia and was appalled by the endless lines of election signs along U.S. roadways.

“They’re everywhere. You can’t imagine. You drive through every state, every county, every city. All you see are elections signs.

“We’re coming up to a time here in September where we’re going to see the same thing.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one that says, ‘Aw geez, would I vote for these kinds of people that are desecrating every corner, every front yard everywhere?’

“You know, I would sooner get zero votes than get one vote from an election sign.”

Poth, who stressed he has not decided if he will seek re-election, said it’s time the county set an example and did away with election signs.

If candidates want to get their names out, they can go door to door and meet the public, mail information to voters or take ads out in newspapers, he said.

“We’re the leaders. I think at some point in time you have to show it,” he said.

It was unclear whether Poth had convinced his council colleagues to raise the issue at an upcoming workshop, a time when council members discuss various emerging issues.

Nancy Lougheed, the county’s legislative services manager, said eliminating signs may not be possible because the rules for the next election have already been set.

Denying candidates the right to post signs may also be considered a challenge to the democratic process.

Councillor Jim Lougheed said eliminating signs may discriminate against candidates who don’t have the same name recognition as incumbent candidates.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com