10 hours to go...

The primary election is just 10 hours away, and my 'spidey-sense' is tingling. I just had the opportunity to read today's local newspaper (The Courier), and it is always fun seeing how candidates summarize their appeal to the voters. It is interesting to compare these final advertisements: those who have a lot of money can afford color, those who have egos like to run their picture, those channeling their personal 'Sally Field moment' will have a list of endorsements ("You like me, you really like me!").

If we look at their advertisements, can we tell anything about the candidates leading up to tomorrow's primary? You never know...but that is not going to stop me from trying. Let's take a look at the races for city council positions (if only because they have eight people in the mix). In no particular order (click the images to enlarge in a new window)...

COUNCIL
Robert Schuck
First thing I notice...doesn't he wear glasses? Doesn't he? Why do I think that? That is throwing me a little bit. Also, where is the Findlay flag (instead of the US)? It is funny how those running on the national level will use the 'Stars and Stripes', and those on the state level in Ohio will use the Ohio flag...but you rarely see anyone using the ones for their city (or county). Anyway, a nice list of individuals endorsing him, even if we do not know why he is asking for our vote.

Andy Peters
First thing I notice...the mustache! Can anyone think of a modern political figure who has had facial hair? Neither could I. I am also not sure about accepting his proposal (get it? engaging...I guess that is only funny to me because I do not hear you laughing...and my dog, Bailey, is also looking at me kind of weird). Not to be critical of Andy, or any at-large candidate, but I do not recall ANY council member reaching out to me or my family/friends and asking for our input...regarding anything.

Jim Slough
First thing I notice...the slanted line. It is rare to see any political literature/signs/graphics that utilize the slant anymore, but when done correctly, it is unique enough to turn heads. Now Jim, where is the list of people endorsing you or a tag-line? And why should I vote for you over someone else? What do you have that the others do not? Those deciding at the last minute don't know how you are any different from those also running.

John Urbanski
First thing I notice...the red oval. Bravo! A brave choice, especially giving up lots of area where you could list various tidbits. For the longest time, I have associated the Urbanski name with the Rocking U (their Cattle Baron was a treat reserved for special occasions). At first, I was a little put-off at the U in 'Serving U', but the more I thought about it, I remember how much I really enjoyed that pizza. If I can get the warm fuzzies for a candidate by a memory of a pizza, it was a smart move. The only downside to this advertisement is that it is not the same as yard signs I see everywhere. Will voters be confused? Hopefully we are all smart enough to not get hung up on this.

Final Grades:
Urbanski...B+ (for not being consistent, but still bold)
Peters...B (the 'stache gets a few bonus points)
Slough...B- (the slant is a unique look, but there is nothing else)
Schuck...C (this looks like something my oldest daughter, now 12 years old, once did in PowerPoint)
Ward and Seng...D (at least they advertised in the special election preview from The Courier)
Rowe and Rader...D- (leaning toward an F, but at least I know they are running, and I may have seen a sign or two along city roads)

It will be fun to look back at this after the election and see if any of this matters. As for tomorrow, I will be working at St. Mark's Church on Main Street as a poll worker. We had a meeting earlier this evening, and once again, Flag City hospitality is alive and well. It should be a fun, and LOOOOOOONG, day tomorrow...I hope to see some of you getting out to vote. Grab a neighbor, phone a friend, drive a senior citizen...just vote!

-RSKnopfJr

Comments

[Mark A Shrider]

Very good commentary on the candidates in the local political arena.

[Jim]

I enjoyed your blog, but am not very happy with what appears to be a VERY low voter turnout. Forget the candidates - we have some very important issues on the ballot. It is important to support the institutions that make Hancock County such a great place to live, work and raise a family - and the schools and the ADAMHS board are critical to our ongoing success. Those that didn't vote today should be totally embarassed.