Primary Candidate Analysis, Part 2

The second part of my primary candidate analysis focuses on lawn signs. Lawn signs are the most visible displays of public support for a candidate. Lawn signs should grab the attention of voters but be simple enough to get a message across.

Alfonso Davis


Alfonso’s sign is the wordiest of all of the candidate’s signs. Driving by quickly, it is difficult to read everything on the sign, which decreases the impact the sign has. The American flag in the “D” of his name is distracting and makes the sign harder to read. Also, he is the only candidate that has the date of the primary on his sign. Does this mean he doesn’t expect to make it into the general election?

Rating: 2/5.

Carmen Harlow


If I remember correctly, I believe Carmen Harlow was the first candidate to distribute his lawn signs to supporters. It is nice and simple and to the point. There is a nice graphic and the “Harlow for Mayor” message is in a nice, big font. He also includes the URL to his horrible website on the sign. Overall, this is one of the best signs of the six.

Rating: 4/5.

Otis Jennings


Otis’ sign is clear and colorful. The big white “OTIS” text on a dark blue background is eye-catching and he directs voters to his website. The flag graphic in the corner is a nice touch. Graphics can be distracting on a lawn sign, but Otis, along with Carmen Harlow, make it work. I am giving this sign the top score because it is nice and colorful, with clear, readable text.

Rating: 5/5.

Steve Kimatian


Steve’s sign baffles me. It is the most boring of all six signs. Do plain text and plain colors reflect a plain candidate? Like Otis and Carmen Harlow, Kimatian’s lawn sign directs people to his website. Maybe visitors to his website will enjoy the splash of yellow that is lacking on his signs. Sorry, Steve, your sign just doesn’t cut it.

Rating: 1/5.

Stephanie Miner


I find Stephanie’s sign to be very interesting. The sign is a simple blue on white, the only sign that includes only one non-white color. Sign printers charge more for each additional color, so perhaps Stephanie was looking to save money. She has been one of the most prolific fundraisers in this race, so this theory goes out the window. Her Obama-like logo is so last year.

Rating: 3/5.

Joe Nicoletti


When I first saw Nicoletti’s sign in someone’s yard, I thought maybe my neighbor was getting their driveway paved or their house painted. This sign is very commercial looking for some reason, which does detract slightly from its appearance. Nicoletti slapped his slogan on his sign and made sure to let everyone know he is a Democrat.

Rating: 3/5.