Businesses Balance Politics, Bottom Line when Placing Sign
Posted
Daniel Riordan-driordan@timesuniononline.com
It’s hard to drive too far in Kosciusko County without seeing a political sign.
With the May 8 primary fast approaching, signs for local, state and national candidates abound.
Many are found on vacant lots or on the lawns of homes.
Some businesses have also decided to allow political signs on their property.
Don Good, owner of the Good To Go BP gas station on South Buffalo Street in Warsaw, recently allowed a political sign for U.S. House of Representatives republican candidate Jackie Walorski.
“Our policy is we will allow almost anybody to put their signs up. We think its a great opportunity to get involved in the political process,” said Good. “We don't take it as a political position on our end. We let anybody who wants to put up a sign, put up a sign.”
Good said his stores will not allow signs that are too big or that violate any city ordinance.
Mark Dobson, president of the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, said he takes a non-traditional standpoint on the issue of businesses expressing their political beliefs.
Suzie Light’s family business Kralis Enterprises own several properties in the county and one in particular along Ind. 15 in Warsaw is prime real estate for signs to be posted.
The problem, according to Light, is many of the signs are posted without the permission of the business.
“We don’t necessarily endorse every candidate who has a sign on our property,” said Light.
“I always say vote your principles, vote your passion,” said Dobson. “I think for a long time in business you were told not to talk politics. I think that has changed.”
Though Dobson said businesses do have to consider whether they’ll lose customers by supporting a political candidate.
“But if you are offering what the customer desires at a competitive price, people will come in and trade with you,” said Dobson.
Dobson did caution businesses to temper their political rhetoric and not use their business to openly blast politicians.
“Articulate (your position) well,” said Dobson. “Further the political discourse. Because the politician you are blasting may be able to help you with an issue in the future.”
Dobson said that working with politicians he’s found most to be thick-skinned and that they ignore barbs thrown their way.
“But whatever you say could make it harder to work with them,” said Dobson.
Several people weighed in on the Times-Union’s Facebook page.
“It is a risky decision but is the right of the business owner,” wrote Matt Garcia.
“I'm not necessarily against a business supporting a candidate, but I don't think it is wise for them to advertise their support in front of their building. It can deter or alienate customers. I personally find it aggravating/annoying when a business does this whether I support the candidate or not,” wrote Alexander Clark.
In a county like Kosciusko however, the chance to alienate someone may be lessened by the how far republican-leaning the area is.
In the 2008 presidential election, Kosciusko County residents voted for republican nominee John McCain over now President Barack Obama 68 to 32 percent. That was the most votes, percentage-wise, McCain received in all of Indiana.
