Ward 2 candidates agree to limit their campaign signs
By Bill Rea

People visiting Ward 2 in King during the coming municipal election campaign may notice a shortage of signs, at least for the council race.

Incumbent Peter Grandilli and challenger Jeff Laidlaw have agreed to limit the number and areas where they will erect campaign signs. They plan to limit themselves to a maximum of 40 signs each, in up to 20 locations, and only along with Highway 27 or King Road, but not along any sidestreets or in subdivisions.

"Election signs can create controversy within neighbourhoods, are sometimes an eyesore and are an unnecessary use of resources," the candidates observed in a joint statement they issued last Wednesday. "We believe that the people are better served in this manner, and we will focus on issues and not sign wars."

Laidlaw said he approached Grandilli with the idea, commenting he has a problem with a proliferation of signs. "They're ugly, they're trouble and they're a nuisance."

"They make a mess, all these signs," Grandilli added. "When Jeff approached me on that, I was quite happy to agree to it.'

He added in Italy, they have designated areas in which election signs can be placed.

The agreement currently applies to just these two candidates. It's possible one or more people might enter the Ward 2 race before nominations close, and neither man was sure how they would deal with that.

"We never talked of that," Grandilli said.

Laidlaw said other candidates would be approached, but if they refused to join in the agreement, the deal might be off.

The two candidates declared for the mayor's race in King so far were both intrigued by the deal, but it's unlikely either will be seeking a similar arrangement.

Councillor Steve Pellegrini called the idea "interesting," although he wondered what would happen if another candidate entered the race.

One reason Pellegrini won't be restricting his signs is he's already ordered and paid for them. He was also concerned that restricting the number of signs new candidates can post could hinder their efforts to get their names before the voters.

"Usually, a sign on someone's front yard is worth about 10 votes," he observed.

"It might be a good idea," Mayor Margaret Black commented, although she said signs posted in rural areas would help people know who's running.