Matt Romero, candidate for Youngsville City Council, moved his campaign sign after he read that it was obstructing view of traffic.

Just to be clear: I don't know Mr. Romero, nor do I vote in the Youngsville elections.  I have no stake in the outcome of the race.  Mr. Romero is running against Cyndi Smith, and I wish them both luck in the election.

When I posted a picture of a sign last week on Facebook, it wasn't to "call out" any particular candidate(s).  I even made mention of the fact that the candidates probably didn't put their own signs up (candidates usually have volunteers who help out with that), so they was probably unaware that it was causing a problem.

The sign, in its original location, was blocking the view of on-coming traffic. (Staff photo)
The sign, in its original location, was blocking the view of on-coming traffic. (Staff photo)
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Yesterday, I received a Facebook message from Mr. Romero, thanking me for alerting him to the problem, and asking which intersection was affected.  I told him that the signs pictured are at the corner of Young Street and Lafayette Street in Youngsville, and that that the problem was this:  if you were to approach the intersection from the east, and stop at the stop sign, the view of on-coming traffic was obstructed.  Mr. Romero told me that he would take care of the problem when he got home from work.

Around 6:30 last night I received a message stating that "the sign has been moved! Thank you again for the heads-up!"

Now that the sign has been moved, on-coming traffic can be seen easily! (Staff Photo)
Now that the sign has been moved, on-coming traffic can be seen easily! (Staff Photo)
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Sure enough, when I left the house this morning to come to work, the sign had been changed out, and the new (smaller) sign had been erected, just to the east of the other campaign sign.   Still in a great place to give his campaign exposure, but well out of the line-of-sight for people checking for on-coming traffic.

I spoke with Brooks David, Troop I spokesperson for the Louisiana State Police, and he said "nothing may be placed on the state right-of-way.  No signs, no buildings, absolutely nothing.  On the other hand, objects that are on private property (signs, buildings, vehicles, landscaping) might not be breaking any laws or ordinances, but if they cause a crash because they limit driver's view, that property owner may be held liable in civil court."

I am glad that Mr. Romero moved his sign, and I hope that other candidates keep safety in mind when they erect campaign signs.

If you think that a sign is placed illegally, or if a sign is creating a hazard, call your local police department's non-emergency phone number during normal business hours to express your concerns.  A simple conversation with the owner of the sign could prevent any problems in the future!

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