Campaign time is upon us and with it we are inundated with campaign literature in our mailboxes and lawn signs dotting our landscapes.

Supposedly Rutherford, however, has a longstanding agreement between parties to withdraw from the use of lawn signs. Although I would have to agree that Rutherford seems to have less lawn election signage than some neighboring towns, the fact that it was due to an agreement dating back 25 years is news to me. Furthermore, as a member of the press, I would have to back the use signs and literature under the First Amendment. I also wonder why this rule has gotten past the assemblymen, senators and congressional candidates whose signs litter the highways in Rutherford year after year.

It’s unfortunate that this has become such an issue. Letters are flooding in to the papers accusing the Republican candidates of not adhering to an agreement made between Glenn Elliot, a Democrat, and Will Reenstra, a Republican, during a campaign 25 years ago. It seems the use of lawn signs has now become a major campaign issue when it shouldn’t. There are too many issues such as taxes, over development, services, roads and the need for ratables.

This Thursday, Oct. 27, the South Bergenite and The Leader newspapers will sponsor a debate in Rutherford. All candidates have said they will attend. We encourage the public to attend this event so that you can make an informed and educated vote on Nov. 6. The forum will also be televised on Channel 12 on Oct. 30, 7 p.m., if you are unable to attend.

The papers have received many questions e-mailed from the public to ask the candidates and not once were campaign signs mentioned. Representatives from both papers promise that the real issues will be discussed.