Editorial/Op
“Politicus Campaignus”
By |
New England has NOTHING over Central. The first day of Fall was September 22nd, and many people will travel to see the colors of the fall foliage in the scenic Northeast. Save your gas money and stay right here in Central because our highways and byways may soon be more colorful than Maine in October. OUR first day of this colorful season is Sunday, October 6th, exactly 180 days prior to the city elections. This is the first date the law allows the colorful, rectangular signs of the political season to be planted along our streets and in our neighborhoods.
The botanical name for these semi-perennial blossoms is “politicus campaignus”, but I’m sure each of you have your own names for them. They must thrive on exhaust fumes as they are seen almost exclusively along roadsides. At major intersections where the fumes are plentiful they grow to the 20 square foot maximum allowed by City Ordinances. One unique quality of “politicus campaignus” is that each variety of this plant identifies its creator by displaying his or her name prominently across its face.
I have a personal foliage preference for Live Oak trees and Azaleas, so I would actually like to see the “politicus campaignus” season shortened to 90 days as was considered by our Council in August. That would allow us all to enjoy the natural colors of fall as well as the Christmas lights and decorations that beautify Central in November and December.
Unfortunately, when the season starts, there are always “gardeners” who want to be the first to display their creations, in hopes they will be best remembered by the passersby. As a prospective gardener myself, I have been cultivating my own seedlings and waiting for the appropriate time, but I prefer not to introduce “Politicus Campaignus Davus” into Central’s landscape unless another variety blooms first.
A final tidbit about these kudzu-like growths: just as Mother Nature disguises plants for protection or pollination, the pretty colors and catchy slogans of “politicus campaignus” may be just for show, with no substance to justify their existence. Do your research, study the benefits of each variety, and choose the ones you like for their produce, not their promise.
0 comments