This is a question I have been grappling with A LOT since filing. Here are the reasons I feel conflicted about yard signs:

• They are expensive. It is as simple as that. Even searching for low cost options, a hundred standard yard signs could run anywhere from $500-$1000.
• They clutter up our city. Six months of signage every two years equates to ¼ of our life looking at other people’s names.
• They may have outlived their usefulness. With the advent of the internet, our ability to reach people has expanded tremendously so that we do not need a sign to let people know who is running for office.

On the other hand, there are compelling reasons to utilize yard signs:

• Not everyone is engaged in the digital world.  How will I reach out to them?
• It is what has always been done.
• Will people think that I do not care if I do not hold to this tradition?

After weighing this all out, my decision was made by evaluating my priorities.

1. I believe that the city will function best by working within a budget to meet a goal. In regards to my campaign, I have a budget that I have set.  Because I have no track record to point to in soliciting individuals to give of their hard earned dollars in helping me run, I have decided that I would rather put my own money forward. I have been blessed to have a husband who works hard to provide for our family and has agreed to let me finance this campaign through our family’s income. In choosing to do this, sticking to a budget and prioritizing my spending becomes paramount.
2. I believe that using technology to increase communication will yield the best long term result for our city. In regards to my campaign, I have put the bulk of my budget towards utilizing technology in order to get my information out.  If I can prove my hypothesis of needing to move into a new realm of information dissemination through the course of winning this election, I will feel comfortable pushing this option forward in the city.
3. I believe that the best way to make a difference is through active engagement.  I have spent the last few years of my life participating in and volunteering for community functions.  I attend city council meeting regularly  and work to spread awareness of important issues.  While I recognize that it has to start with knowing a name, I believe the true difference will come in knowing who we are voting for and what they are willing to do in order to give back to the city.

With these thoughts in mind, I have decided to forego yard signs in my campaigning efforts. I feel that it is the right decision for me to make. I believe utilizing technology is the best way for me to get information to a large number of people but I also recognize that I am creating limits for people who do not actively engage through technology.  In line with this, if you have neighbors who asks your thoughts on who to vote for, I would love for you to share my information with them so that who I am can still spread through the community. Thank you for your support in this!