Before I was involved in politics I ran a radio station in Highland. Back in the early 90’s, it was a week after election day and the area was still plastered with political signs. The radio station ran a contest to “clean up the Hudson Valley” and offered prizes for the volume of signs removed and turned in to the station on Route 299. Other than our 1989 ten thousand dollar cash giveaway, it was the most popular stunt we ever pulled. People hate political signs and the fact that they get plastered everywhere each fall. Our little contest touched a nerve. We ended up with thousands of signs, and even after the politicians went through and retrieved their own, it took many dumpsters to haul them away.

A decade later (twenty years ago) I was on the Lloyd Republican Committee, and it was made clear, every year, that signs were not to go up in September. The “gentlemen’s agreement” between the parties was to be honored. It was common mis­perception that Town Law banned signs until 30 days before an election. Not true. The “agreement” had been in effect since “Mr Gaffney was Supervisor” (and I am not sure whether that was in the 1970’s or the 1960’s, but even in 2001 it was a LONG TIME ago). Our forefathers understood how one sign will begat an opposing sign, and so starts the war. Those old-time politicians understood that a bit of self-control on both sides would be a benefit to the Town. Even among politicians, only the most self-centered boor would not understand the benefit to our community.

Although the term “gentlemen’s agreement” is hopelessly out of date, the idea behind it still embodies integrity and doing what is best for the community. Our Town has been consistently populated by people of integrity, on both sides of the political aisle.

That integrity has always overruled political desire to “get a leg up”. There are many Democrats in Town whom I hold in very high regard. (I am currently the Republican Committee chairman). That is a big part of why our community is a great place to live. Despite the big ugly signs that went up just before the 9/11 remembrance ceremony this year, I have begged my Republican colleagues to NOT respond in kind. Early voting starts October 28, and I encourage all Republicans to start putting up signs no earlier than September 28.

Low Joe Mazzetti may have no integrity as he moves from his character assassination campaign to his blight-the-Town sign campaign, but fortunately, he is a one-of-a kind.

Democrats, please, do not let him pull YOU down to his level !