Death blow to a democratic republic
This 'Letter to the Editor' appeared in the 10/25/2008 issue of the Park Record (see below). Marion also sent an email to me (I assume Sally and Kathy also got one) about the incident. I responded with "I apologize for the placement of my campaign signs on your property. Thank you for removing them."
Yet, as third-party candidates do not have the extensive party apparatus of the Dems and Reps, it is difficult to get individuals to place our campaign signs on their property. As sending out mailings and media ads are very expensive, most third-party candidates cannot afford that mechanism to 'get the word out'. I did one-minute recorded phone calls in 2006 and had two individuals who called back and were upset they were getting called. Not only that but it's not clear that most people want to receive these types of calls. Thus, I am not convinced this is a good way to contact the voters. Not only that but in one minute your ability to say much about your candidacy is severely limited. The other advertising medium, the airways, is also fairly expensive. Radio being really the only outlet that is even remotely affordable. Then there is going door-to-door. I did this in 2006 and it was obviously very time consuming, even when we tried to target independent voters only.
So the best way to get the message out there is via the yard-signs with a web site address. Of course complaining about hindering third-party candidates campaigning strikes a flat cord with those who are party faithfuls of the Reps and Dems. Yet, I would argue that discouraging third-party candidates is cutting off our nose to spite our face...and a death blow to a democratic republic.
From 'Letters to the Editor', the Park Record:
Illegal signs are offensive
Editor:
Shame on you Gary Shumway, Sally Elliott and Kathy Lofft for illegally posting campaign signs along State Road 35. I suggest you educate yourself on Summit County ordinance as well as Utah State law regarding the legal placement of campaign signs.
The signs posted along my fence line on State Road 35 have been removed.
Marion Wheaton
Woodland
Paid for by Citizens for Shumway
