Illegal use of utility poles for hanging campaign signs
I have been on the phone with City Hall for the last 2 days, over reports and pictures coming to me, with local candidates posting their campaign signs on utility poles, which is illegal. The area that I have heard about are about 10 poles in the Midway area, and 1 right outside of Citracado Dental, on El Norte Parkway. There have been 4 local candidates who the city admitted were in violation and have taken down the signs. Those in violation of the law were Escondido Mayor Dane White, Escondido Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia, candidate for City Council Tanner Horsely, and David Vincent for School Board. The 2 city staffers who I spoke with were very helpful and knowledgeable. They told me that each of the candidates was given a handbook that outlined all of the rules, but that they pay people to put up their signs, so the people putting them up probably weren't aware of the rules. I said, "Yes, I agree with you, 100 percent! However, I find it disappointing and disrespectful that all of these individuals are seeking election to higher office, and 2 of those individuals have sat on our dais for the last 4 years, but none of them bothered to hold themselves to a higher standard, and follow the laws for our local elections. What statement does that make about how they conduct themselves as a local official?" The city staffers, who had common sense, agreed with me! If you see any signs on utility poles in Escondido, please comment here on the location, the candidate's names, and then report them immediately. You can call code compliance at Escondido City Hall directly, or you can try this number that they gave me: 760-839-4650.