An open letter to Alabama gubernatorial candidates

Dear candidates for Alabama governor:

This past weekend I had the opportunity to drive from Auburn to Gulf Shores for an athletic event that hosted teams from around the southeast and midwest. In doing so, I witnessed an ongoing problem that I wish now to bring to your attention and, I hope, satisfactory resolution.

For some time now, I have noticed political signs set up along interstate roadways. As the primary season draws closer, I have noticed that this phenomenon is occurring with increasing regularity. In addition to the obvious -- that these signs are clearly placed in the rights of way, and as such, are erected illegally -- most troubling to me is that they are set up in a pattern. The signs are typically set up in sets of threes and are many times even placed in regular places, like on highway entrance and exit ramps. This pattern all but demonstrates an organized effort on the parts of your campaign staffs to simply ignore state law on this matter:

Code of Alabama, Section 23-1-6:

Signs, markers, and advertising on the rights-of-way of state controlled highways are prohibited except those official signs or markers placed thereon by the State Department of Transportation or under its authority.

This has long been an annoyance of mine, and I suppose that most folks just figure they have to put up with this blatant disregard for the regulations governing campaign signs. I freely admit that I bear responsibility for some part of the problem, because I have been part of this grin-and-bear-it group that believes that nothing can be done about it.

Well, that ends today.

I don't want to assume that any of you would tolerate your staff members deliberately and repeatedly ignoring state law, so this letter is meant to bring the problem to your attention in hopes that you will direct your staffs to rectify any problems immediately. But I also want you to know that as of seven days from the date of this post, I will begin reporting every violation of this nature to the appropriate authorities and encouraging and equipping others to do the same.

In addition, beginning in seven days and on a regular basis thereafter, I will use this platform, other social media and any other platform at my disposal to name the candidates whose signs remain illegally posted along interstate highways and state roadways. Of all the gubernatorial candidates seeking their votes, Alabamians should know which ones are willing to simply ignore the laws of this state when it is politically convenient, advantageous or expedient for them to do so.

Yes, road signs are a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of the problems facing our state. But if you are in the habit of drawing distinctions between some laws -- some you consider worth following and others you are willing to dismiss at will -- then I want to know about it.

I may not trust your judgment -- or that it won't change based on your political well-being.

Jennifer Foster