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To the Editor:
Since May, I have knocked on doors and visited with residents, homeowners, and voters of District 7 while campaigning for a seat on County Commission. I heard from many about their frustrations at several candidates in various races who chose to gain attention by means of mail, recorded phone messages, and numerous yard signs throughout their neighborhoods and on the main roads.
When the signs were allowed to be posted at the Wildcat Den for early voting, it was as if there was a corrugated plastic explosion overnight. Some were so disgusted that they chose not to vote during that period. It is very unfortunate that such a distraction would cause someone to choose not to make their voice heard.
With another election coming up in just a few months, I would like any future candidates to take note of the following tips that could possibly help them reach more voters. When canvassing a neighborhood, keep in mind there may be a dog or child on the other side of a gated fence. Respect a resident’s privacy and do not solicit or trespass onto their property if signs are posted not to enter. You should not cross through the yard when going to the neighboring property but use the sidewalks.
Respect the community’s pride by not littering the streets, voting precincts, and neighborhoods with excessive signage. People appreciate seeing signs on personal property rather than as sources of distraction on roadsides. Do not bombard the mailboxes with excessive mail pieces. Remember that there are other candidates running that need equal exposure to the voter. Personal phone calls seem acceptable and are often appreciated, but recorded messages can be seen as invasive into the voter’s private time.
To everyone who assisted in working the precincts on Election Day, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also would like to thank the voters for voicing their confidence in me to represent them. By you paying it forward, it will allow me to give back to the community that I love to live in.
I’m proud that I’ll be working alongside Jerry Creasey as a District 7 County Commissioner. I look forward to being a part of making this a better city and county for our future.
Theresa Scott
Commissioner-Elect, District 7
Sandi Goldberg says
Very, very well said! As a voter, I deeply appreciate you pointing this out to other candidates. Personally, if I see a sign in a person’s yard, I equate that with an endorsement of the candidate. Road side signs do not appeal to me. And I also feel sorry for the people who mow the cities right of ways, they either have to remove the signs to mow, and then put them back, or weed eat around them. That creates a lot of extra work, they deserve a bonus!