On the Campaign Trail for Mayor of Mayfield Heights - Week 14

Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs!

Here is a blog I wrote a few years ago… Just a bit updated…There is only 5 weeks until Election Day, and yes, it is that season again ... the season of signs ... when political lawn signs become a colorful fixture in many front lawns till Nov. 5. Please call or email me if you would like a yard sign placed on your lawn next week. Thank you again for all of your support!

We go to sleep on that quiet October Friday night with a green lawn and wake up to the dashing colors that each candidate deems to be most enticing to lure in the votes. I have worked on various campaigns over the past 25 years and have watched the dynamics of different candidates take over the front lawns.

Serving our city is an honor, but sometimes in the heat of campaigning we find out who our friends are really, who our enemies are really, and who really just does not care. Although many people take politics very seriously, many do not and I am the first to tell everybody how important it is to vote, that voting is our only real voice in government, that one vote does make a difference, that we can change the world by voting, etc. etc.

My question is this: How can there be 5,000 lawn signs in a city with 11,000 voters and only 2,000 people actually vote on Election Day. Is it apathy that makes people not take the moment or two to vote in November? Is it bad weather, long lines, the cost of fuel? In a world where we no longer have to flush toilets because they are automatic, where paper towels come out with a flash of the hand, where people are shopping while talking on their cell phones and a hand-written letter is obscure, why is it so hard for people to vote?

In a world where you can go on the computer, get an absentee ballot and vote a month before the election, why is it so hard to vote? My father told me that it does not matter who I vote for, just to vote and have my voice heard. I remind my children via numerous emails and texts, tomorrow is Election Day, don't forget to vote. There are 13 hours to vote on Election Day, it takes less than 10 minutes to vote, I find it hard to make an excuse not to find the time to get there during the course of these long hours, rain or shine.

So when you drive around the city, seeing the array of colors plastered across the various lawns, seeing familiar and unfamiliar names of candidates, please remember to take the 10 minutes to vote. Remind your friends, family and most importantly your children to vote. You never know – you may really make a difference. I would be happy to bring you an absentee ballot, just email me and I can get it to you anytime. Dinneyiii@aol.com.  Please call or email me if you would like a yard sign placed on your lawn next week. Thank you again for all of your support!