Independent Breaks from Parties' Political Sign Agreement

The field of political signs usually posted on lawns and town space is a little sparse. In fact, independent William Baker is the only candidate to have put out his signs.

That’s because the Democratic and Republican parties in Farmington abide by an agreement not to post their signs until 30 days before an election. The agreement keeps the town from being cluttered with signs for an extended period of time and prevents candidates from either party from getting a head start on name recognition.

But Baker, who separated himself from the Republican party earlier this year, is not obligated by the gentlemen’s agreement and is not willing to abide by it.

“In my opinion it comes down to that there are two parties not used to having anyone from the outside and the less time they promote an election, the better chance they have of getting their candidates elected,” Baker said.

The independent says he wasn’t aware of the agreement when he put up 25 signs in the third week of September. But he was soon made aware by complaints from members of the parties.

“I went down to Town Hall and spoke to Mr. [Jeffery] Ollendorf and Martin Tartaglino about political signs and they informed me there are no regulations on it and that they can be placed on town open space in any undeveloped land,” Baker said.

Ollendorf, the Farmington town planner, confirmed that though the town used to have an ordinance prohibiting signs from being posted more than 30 days before an election, it was ruled a violation of freedom of speech several years ago.

Baker said he didn’t want to undo the work his supporters had put into posting the signs but agreed not to put any more up until Oct. 1.

A few days later, Baker said, Ollendorf called back saying the town manager had asked him to request the signs be taken down.

“I’m learning as I go. Every time I turn around I have someone telling me I shouldn’t be doing this, I shouldn’t be doing that…” Baker said.

William Mastrogiovanni, chairman of the Republican Town Committee said that while he doesn’t think Baker’s early sign posting is a big deal, it may give him some small political advantage.

“He may have gotten his name out there more in people’s minds but I don’t think most voters are going to make up their minds based on seeing someone’s sign,” Mastrogiovanni said.

Members of both parties say the agreement on when to post the signs is good for the candidates and good for the town.

“I think it limits the amount of time they’re in town,” Mastrogiovanni explained. "They get blown over, weeds grow; it kind of helps in that way and honestly until October, I don’t think too many people are paying attention to the election.”

Democrats follow similar reasoning, Town Committee Chairman Mike Demicco explained.

“I think people in town don’t want to see their town overwhelmed by a lot of political signs and it seems that 30 days is a sufficient time to get your name out there and advertise yourself and your party,” Demicco said.

But, Baker’s signs won’t be alone for long. The 30-day mark is this weekend.

“You’ll see a lot of signs going up on Saturday or Sunday,” he said.