Yard Sign 101

Written by Roberta Biros

Yard Signs are part of politics. Some would say that they are an important part of running for office, and others would say that their actual impact on a political race is negligible. We can all agree, however, that political yard signs can offer some amusement.

First, I’m constantly amused when yard signs are clustered together on highways and intersections. It is impossible to read any of the signs as your eyes are confused by the insanity of it all. For that reason, we make every attempt to keep “BIROS for Mercer County Treasurer” signs separate and unique (much like the candidate that they represent).

Second, I find it equally humorous to see yard signs stuck in the weeds and in ditches because the people placing them couldn’t find actual “yards” to put the signs in. I prefer to have signs placed in nicely trimmed and cared for yards, but I seem to be in the minority in that preference.

Third, there is a right way and a wrong way to install a yard sign. The photos below provide a few examples. The first sign is installed on a properly fitted frame and the sign is inserted squarely into the ground for a clean and fresh appearance. The second sign is mounted on a wire frame that is several inches too big so that the sign has no chance of hanging properly. I’ve seen this technique used on many signs that are posted around Mercer County this year. In some cases attempts were made to fasten the ill-fitting sign to the frame with string or duct tape which was especially entertaining to see.

ABOVE: GOOD SIGN

BELOW: NOT-SO-GOOD SIGN

The most interesting part of political yard signs is who puts up signs for whom. A perfect example is illustrated in the photo below.

The political sign has been displayed in a property that is currently for sale. According to the public records of the Recorder of Deeds, the property is owned by Mercer County District Attorney Robert Kochems . . . a Democrat (and a member of the Mercer County Democrat Executive Committee). The sign is (interestingly enough) in support of the Republican candidate for the stated office. If I recall, District Attorney Kochems found himself in a bit of a pickle earlier this year when he confused his “political” hat with his “District Attorney” hat. At that time he explained that it is, perhaps, inappropriate for a person in his position to be overly political, but it seems that he no longer cares to separate the appropriate and inappropriate. I suppose if you asked the District Attorney which “hat” he is wearing now, he’d have to admit that he is wearing his “Republican Hat”.

Since this political season is nearing its end, we can all look forward to the menagerie of signs soon disappearing . . . but the next election cycle is just around the corner!

As always, just my opinion.

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