Madison Officials: Political Signage Is Out of Control In Town

Signs along the Boston Post Road in Madison

MADISON, CT - If you’ve noticed that the amount of political signs on Madison town roads seems unusually high this year, well, you aren’t alone.

At the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Scott Murphy stated that as an observation, the amount of political signage in Town has become excessive and there is signage now on public roads, state roads and private property.

He stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission or Zoning Officer should look into the regulations and enforce them more strictly.

Selectman Bruce Wilson stated that the regulations are not listed as clearly as one would hope and he stated that the Board may consider asking the Planning & Zoning Commission to readdress the rules regarding political signage.

Ron Clark, Planning & Zoning Commission Chair, stated that to the best of his knowledge there has been one complaint regarding political signs; however, the issue is not within the regulations, but with the enforcement. Clark stated that the red tape associated with the enforcement is problematic.

He stated that after the election, the two town parties could create ground rules to limit, or reduce, the amount of signage for future elections.

Clark likened this issue to trying to catch every speeder in Town; it is impossible.

Murphy stated that the issue was with consistency and that the size/placement of all political signs should adhere to the same rules.

Wilson further stated that the violations are not just seen with political signs, but with signs advertising events, organizations, etc.

The good news is the election is only a week away - though the signs still need to be removed after November 6th.

Photo by Jack Kramer