Congressman Juan Ciscomani is the first candidate for the upcoming midterm election to stick a campaign sign at an intersection near my house in the Foothills of Tucson, in unincorporated Pima County.
It might be there for over six months, assuming that it doesn’t blow down in the summer monsoons and end up in the street or in the weeds along the right-of-way, as is the case for many political signs.
History says that his signs will soon be joined by 25 or so additional signs from other candidates for the same or other offices. They will become a huge distraction to drivers in a metropolis where pedestrians are run over with regularity.
Since signage is evidently a very important criterion in deciding whom to vote for, I’m thinking of voting for Ciscomani, because his sign was the first one, is so large, and is so patriotic in its colors of red, white and blue.
On the other hand, the intersection is part of the miles of streets and rights-of-way that my wife and I keep clean of illegal advertising signs, rotten takeout food, cardboard boxes, Styrofoam peanuts, Styrofoam cups, bubble wrap, plastic bags, broken glass, liquor bottles, beer bottles and cans, water bottles, gloves, shoes, shirts, underwear, diapers, personal hygiene products, buckets, lumber, hubcaps, shredded tires, debris from auto accidents, and other flotsam and jetsam, especially from convenience stores and fast-food joints.
The thought of helping out doesn’t seem to cross the minds of neighboring businesses, the county, other walkers, or passing motorists in their luxury cars. After all, this is Tucson, where upkeep, civic pride and good governance packed up and left long ago.
Accordingly, even something as basic as the sweeping of major streets is done by the county only once a quarter or so. By contrast, the sweeping of similar streets in well-run municipalities 100 miles to the north is done every two weeks.
I’m really conflicted. Should I vote for Ciscomani because of his signs or vote against him because of his signs?
What do you suggest?
Reach the author at [email protected].
You’re an idiot. Move back to Phoneix.