Related to Lamar Co elections...who wants to make some $ ?

[Mike]

I've always thought this would be an opportunity for someone to make some money. Not that I'm giving the franchise away, but it's pretty clear that I don't have time...

For some flat fee, an enterprising person could "sell" a local political candidate the services of picking up their yard signs from public ROWs. I think a specific electoral district could be picked up with 2-3 afternoon passes in a pickup truck.

If one candidate did it, others would have the need to follow suit. Not that they would HAVE to, but those participating sure could use the "good stewardship of my district" line enough to ensure that other candidates would feel some need to address it.

Who wins? The candidate that has a good stewardship message AND doesn't have to take a day off of work/weekend to pick up signs (not that all do anyway, and that's really the point) and those of us that have to look at that trash for months after an election.

What about it folks? Let's make 'em clean it up. Quickly. Thoughts?

[EricStratton]

I don't think that's a big money maker....they could pay a high school kid $20 to do that.....

[Mike]

...which may explain why I never did it...

Although the model would look something like this: You (the well-advertised candidate) pay me $250 (out of your campaign war chest - you've got to spend it on SOMETHING related to the election) and I'll guarantee to retrieve 95% of the signs on all public easements/right of ways within 2 weeks.

You (the aforementioned candidate) get "bragging rights" and don't have to spend the gas money or trouble riding around the county trying to find out where your zealous supporters have planted signs.

And for your fee, they will be disposed of reliably (want to purchase any metal stakes to use for next election?)

$350 if you want me to pick up large signs. Of whatever. What's it really worth if you are a candidate that wants to do a good job with this?

[SoMissTV]

I don't see it being profitable. After the election, the individual will want to save the money for the next cycle. Besides, after four years no one will remember whose signs were out for six weeks after the election.

[chaz]

When I was in HS we would collect them for weeks (for free). Then when homecoming week came, we would fill up someone's yard with them while covering their trees in lovely white charmin.

[Hermione]

Seems like you could spend $250 on gas pretty easily, leaving little to no profit.

[EricStratton]

Yeah, Mike....I think we all agree that this is just a bad idea.....but, don't give up man....follow your dreams.....Babe Ruth, Ben Franklin, etc, etc....

[Mr Bagel]

Dear Mike and all it whomever it may concern....

I, will totally roll over all of the candidates signs.....(all I can do is roll, I have no hands or feet, just a nice tanned exterior) and hopefully you all will not be distracted as you ride down the nice roads of Lamar County. I will do this for free because I think it is my duty. I have been through alot. The worst thing is being bagelnapped my the MHLF. I think some weirdo in canebrake or lake serene or Lamar County..whatever had something to do with that, but alas, I am Mr Bagel and neither the rich, snobby, or poor and happy(that's me) can keep me down. I am Mr Bagel. Just ask anyone on this cool ass web forum (that can and will vote)........they'll tell ya'.

[carsalesguy]

i got a better idea-

go out and get them, then hold them ransom. you want your sign? then guess what- you pay to get it back

if anything you could sell the metal stakes to signs first or something-

[chaz]

if anything you could sell the metal stakes to signs first or something-


I on my way to skrempers

[Kitty]

I think we just need to ban the signs, that way there's nothing to pick up.

They are ugly and are a potential road hazard (e.g., drivers rubberneckin' to read them).

There's one bigass sign in a Lake Serene yard that honestly needs reflectors on it because it's situated in the curve of the road.

[Mike]

Yeah, Mike....I think we all agree that this is just a bad idea.....but, don't give up man....follow your dreams.....Babe Ruth, Ben Franklin, etc, etc....

Wow. Not sure, but this may be the first time I've been mentioned in the same sentence as the Bambino and the C-note guy.

OK. OK. If I may point it out in a somewhat simpler fashion: IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE FOR POLITICAL OFFICE THIS ELECTION CYCLE, MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE YOUR SIGNS FROM ALL PUBLIC THOROUGHFARES SOON AFTER THE ELECTION. YOUR TRASH (and that's what it is on Nov. 8) SHOULDN'T BE MY TRASH.

That work OK?

Y'all were my test market. The idea stunk. You disappointed me though...I thought it would have unleashed an "anti-leave-your-sign-on-the-side-of-the-road-forever" movement among this group of esteemed opinion staters.

Oh well.