Last Monday was the green light for candidates to erect campaign signs in Maricopa. Local motorists are already tired of them, and with good reason.
Notably, a nearly 40-foot-long row of signs on the southeast corner of Bowlin and White and Parker Roads has fueled the ire of residents who say they obstruct clear views of traffic.
“Definitely not going to be voting for any of the geniuses who like to block the vision of intersections,” Aisia Salvarria said yesterday. “You’re asking for the support when you don’t even care about the possible accidents you’re creating?”
Salvarria added she witnessed three “almost accidents” occur at the intersection, which she attributed to drivers being unable to clearly see traffic.
It rings true that views of traffic are affected for westbound and northbound traffic. The Great Wall of campaign signs offers few clear viewing points and most stand four feet tall, the maximum height allowed for a square sign.
Campaigns signs for Republican House candidate Chris Lopez and sheriff frontrunner Ross Teeple were previously located there but removed for obstructing views.
Maricopa City Councilmember Vincent Manfredi said most signs are placed by volunteers or professional installers, not by candidates. This can lead to incorrect placement and candidates are usually quick to relocate their signs.
This was the case for a large campaign sign on the northeast corner of Smith-Enke Road and John Wayne Parkway that was removed yesterday.
“There was a sign blocking the view leaving CVS,” Manfredi said. “The candidate was notified, and the sign was removed within an hour.”
Signs in Maricopa that appear to violate one or more of these rules can be reported by members of the public here.
Vincent Manfredi is an owner of InMaricopa.
