Sign of the Times

Village elections are weeks away, but it’s not just the traditional issues that are the subject of debate. What many voters are truly divided on are the signs that are cropping up like colored mushrooms on the manicured lawns of Rockville Centre. 

“I hate the signs,” said Cathy Negroni, an RVC resident who adds that she has a policy of not putting them up on her lawn. 

Negroni is not alone in her distaste for the mini banners. “If a person pulls a lever based on a lawn sign, they shouldn’t be allowed to vote anyway,” said one disgruntled sign hater. “It’s lawn litter.” 

Many residents said there seems to be more signs up this year than in years past. The signs support candidates running in the June 21 village election. Incumbents Mayor Mary Bossart and Trustee Dave Krasula along with Michelle Sewell are running as part of the Concerned Citizens Party. Challengers Francis Murray, Nancy Howard and Mike Sepe are running on the RVC United Party line. 

Some residents believe that such signage actually aids the democratic process. 

“I am for them,” said Norah LeBlanc. “I think it encourages people to go out and vote.” 

Others say while the signs show a healthy interest in the political process, putting up the signs on their own property is not for them as they'd rather keep their political thoughts private. 

The plethora of signs blur together after a while, some residents said, and don’t think they have much impact on the actual vote. 

“It is like trying on wedding gowns,” Bernadette Greenwald said. “They all look alike after the 50th one and you end up buying the first one you tried on anyway. Everyone already knows who they are going to vote for before the lawn ornaments go up.” 

Village spokesman Jeff Kluewer said residents are allowed to post election signs on their law, and there is no village law prohibiting it. "It's a free speech issue," he said.