Campaign Signs Are Merely A Necessary Evil

Campaign signs spring from the moist autumn earth as prolifically as toadstools, and they’re just about as welcome.

Meanwhile, they’re featured in an annual political sideshow now under way.

“It seems to happen every election - the selective removal of political signs,” Julian Powers of Spokane said in a call to “Bagpipes.” Powers identified specific territories where he contends signs touting Democratic candidates are being pilfered: U.S. 395 between Spokane and Loon Lake, East Mission near Market, Cedar and the Maple-Ash corridor.

“I call it a widespread, selective epidemic,” said Powers who noted the same thing has happened in other election years.

Indeed it has, and let the record show we traditionally get calls from both Democrats and Republicans complaining that the other side is out swiping and defacing their signs.

Consider the how ironic. Before the election folks are angry that people are taking campaign signs down; after the election folks are angry that people leave campaign signs up.

Even toadstools wither and disintegrate before campaign signs.

But the biggest mystery about political campaign signs is what purpose they serve. They must work, since all the candidates rely on them, election after election. But can anyone explain their effectiveness?

This is a good place for a segue

Tired of mindless, superficial political speechifying? Wish the candidates would talk about things that really matter to you, things that make a difference in your own life?

Want to bring some needed focus to the discussion.

Have we got a forum for you. From 7 to 8 tonight at the Spokane Public Library, Main and Lincoln, voters will have their chance.

Gordon Jackson, professor of communication studies at Whitworth College, will moderate a discussion about the concerns that really matter to the public. This isn’t a forum for candidates, it’s a forum for voters.

If you want to help draft an agenda that truly reflects the civic mood, come and contribute your views. Seating is limited so call 458-8800, category 9666, to let us know you’re coming.

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.