LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Signs of the times

Municipal election season is upon us and, with it, comes the all but unavoidable, boastful display of front-lawn bravado.

I understand a formative aspect of a successful political campaign is exposure, but as Niagara Falls seeks innovative ways to distinguish itself as a premier tourist destination, its locals, it seems, are stuck endorsing an antiquated, exasperating form of marketing, which champions the ongoing use of distractive, expensive and environmentally destructive election signs.

For years, Niagara’s leaders have been attempting to brand our unique city as a green destination, the irony of which grows more palpable with every newly erected stake. Lawns across our community continue to be stabbed and shadowed, and stories about unlawful sign designs and placements soil the media. As a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, and one whom intends to run for political office in the future, I cannot help but address and poke fun of our electoral process.

I appreciate the requirement to promote oneself and the desire to support, publicly, one’s candidature, but as I drive around the city and notice dozens of signs crowding a single front yard, I wonder which people — and whose platforms — are actually being endorsed. I have, in recent weeks, listened to the concerns of candidates themselves who, to reclaim the confidence and trust of would-be voters, were dissuaded from pursuing an eco-friendly, sign-free campaign.

What does such a decision suggest about our city, however? Are we, as residents, only willing to listen to and vote for candidates who elect to play the game and stake their claim in our turf ? Should we not, in the digital age, embrace a more groundbreaking way to enhance the visibility of our candidates and their points? Or are we, like our very signs, becoming sticksin-the-mud?

I applaud candidates, and the printing businesses that assist them, for creating such engaging signage, but as thousands of disposable, colourful lawn ornaments descend upon our city and litter our busy streets with even more eye-catching stimuli, I question the efficacy of it all.

Are there others who, like me, believe that our municipal bylaws should push for a greener, online advertising solution? Or have we so fully embraced an apathetic waste culture that we simply accept our dated campaign process for what it is: a sign of the times? Gianluca Agostinelli Niagara Falls

Solidify trade ties with the U.S.

RE: BROCK RESEARCH FOCUSES ON NIAGARA’S RESILIENT INDUSTRIES, SEPT. 30

As a resident of Niagara region, I have seen firsthand how much industry has changed. A perfect example of this is the former GM plant, on Ontario Street in St.Catharines, which has been demolished for several years now. All that remains are piles of debris and acres of land. The possibilities are there; yet people are failing to take action in order to build and expand industries in the region.

This research from Brock University is important for the whole of Niagara. Industries along with the businesses within them are growing. More opportunities are available for the younger generation and the Region of Niagara is increasing in population. We, the people of Niagara, must strive to encourage others to build and support local industries, as well as welcoming new industries and opportunities to our region.

In order to do so we must first solidify our relationships with our neighbours. The United States is vital to our region’s success. With the recent trade dispute between our countries, we have to ensure our trading ties remain intact no matter the result. The ability to trade with the country we share borders with, will allow our industries to grow and expand further into the world.

Therefore, I hope we can all join together in order to continue the growth within our industries. Not just for ourselves, but for the better of the Niagara region. Marcus Dworczak

St. Catharines