Nix On Lawn Signs, Democratic Candidates Agree

With a Democratic primary in the mayoral election just under a month away, the two candidates vying for the spot on the ballot have agreed that they will not clutter up New London with lawn signs.

Councilor Michael Buscetto III made the proposal in an e-mail sent to Daryl Finizio, Democratic Town Committee chairman Bill Satti, and several reporters. Buscetto was by a meeting of the Democratic Town Committee, but Finizio gathered enough signatures to put the nomination before the town’s registered voters in a Sept. 13 primary.

Buscetto said lawn signs create an unnecessary cost to candidates, create “blight and visual clutter,” force campaigns to fix or clean up signs, creates controversies due to theft of signs and other issues, and “ultimately makes this historic election a civil election.”

“Let’s take a step in a positive direction and away from the bickering that is currently plaguing politics,” Buscetto said.

In his response, Finizio said he agreed and felt that lawn signs are an unnecessary use of donor funds.

“You are very right to point out their environmental impact as well,” he said. “The fuel costs to produce them, the materials, are both negative in their effect on our environment.”

Finizio requested that homemade signs be allowed, noting that several of his supporters are artists who are planning to create such materials for their own homes and businesses. He said the agreement also will not extend to buttons and other materials that have already been produced, including some printed out signs that have gone up in downtown businesses.

Councilor Rob Pero was chosen unopposed as the Republican candidate for mayor. Real estate broker Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh, realtor Andrew Lockwood, and Mayor Martin Olsen will also appear on the ballot as independent candidates.