Lawn Sign Observation
To the Editor:
The numerous political lawn signs (Democrat, Independent, or Republican) all over town are a relatively new phenomenon for Newtown.
Not long ago, lawn signs were not encouraged in town, and anti-sign ordinances existed. But the proliferation of lawn signs now belies that fact. Signs help voters become aware of various candidates for office. But here in Newtown, there must be some hesitancy to declare or advertise one’s candidacy as backed by the Republican Party.
Why do I say that? I have noted that not one lawn sign that I have seen, indicates that a candidate is endorsed by the Republican Party.
Why? Maybe being aligned with a party that has tremendous baggage from our last federal election result denial, many federal felony indictments, and rails against all, including election workers, is not a party affiliation that you want noted on your candidate’s lawn sign.
Candidates aligned with the Democratic Party declare that fact responsibly, on their lawn signs. Are Republican candidates hesitant to declare their party affiliation? Hmmm.
Richard English
Newtown
Can you blame them after how Republicans got intimated on the BoE and quit?
If we want to play the game Mr. English highlights in this letter, perhaps we should point out that the not a single Democratic sign features our national colors of red, white, and blue — rather, they are home to the horizontal blue and yellow of Ukraine. Are Democratic candidates hesitant to declare their allegiance to the United States? Hmmm.
The blue and gold are our town colors. The Newtown Democratic Party wants to emphasize bringing back the focus on local, “It’s About Newtown” is our message and our candidates have embraced our blue and gold to highlight that message. We need to keep outside influences and national politics out of our local boards and take care of what’s important at home.
If we want to play the game Mr. English highlights in this letter, perhaps we should point out that not a single Democratic sign features the Helvetica font — Are Democratic candidates unaware that real Americans use Helvetica? Hmmm.
Firstly, there was a no signs agreement, but to my knowledge there was never an ordinance. Bruce Walzak’s IPN broke said agreement and since then it’s been free speech of private property owenrs like any other town.
I do find it odd so many people who claim to vote for the candidate, not the party, are hung up on party affiliation. I know the Republican slate are running some unaffiliated candidates too. The Dems may have put dem on their signs this year but that was not the case in years past. I’m surprised people are upset by a party putting the focus on the candidates rather than partisanship.
I’m sorry but I absolutely disagree. All I see are Republican signs everywhere! Do you not get out much in Newtown? Head downtown, West Street and go down 302. There is a healthy balance of signs all over the town including Independent candidates. This is fake news.