Each fall, campaign signs sprout up like dandelions. But this year, election time has made an early appearance. With the exception of Bob Bersos, signs of the other three candidates for Position 3 on the City Council are already posted in dense clusters throughout the Island and Town Center.

As unsightly as they may be, the signs represent free speech — and this year are essential to remind voters of the short time before the primary. Two of the four Pos. 3 candidates must pass through the Aug. 21 primary to make it on the November ballot. These candidates have to work harder and faster to get voters’ attention as it is now mid-summer and voters minds are elsewhere.

Each year, Islanders react to the signs in a mostly negative fashion. We are not fans of campaign signs. But fussing over campaign signs can be seen as indicative of what is in store when a citizen runs for office — an effect that probably discourages many from running for public office. We say forget about the signs. They are temporary.

More unattractive are the huge utility boxes that squat outside The Mercer on 77th Avenue S.E. near what could be considered the main entrance to the Town Center off Interstate 90. The city and Dollar Development, which built The Mercer, have been talking about how to move the boxes. Both parties agreed the things are an eyesore. The city’s utility box in front of The Mercer was moved after the City Council and Dollar’s owner made a deal a year ago. If and when Dollar moves the two remaining boxes, the city will reimburse the developer $150,000 — only about one-third of the total cost of the moves.

The situation begs the question: Why were they allowed to be built there in the first place?

Dollar did have to widen the sidewalk to place the boxes, but 4 feet of extra concrete does little to soften the appearance of the Austin Mini-sized tins. We urge the city to talk again with the developer about moving the boxes.