Philly ‘bandit signs’ annoy even a candidate they help advertise

With elections comes advertising. Many of the city of Philadelphia’s utility poles are home to “bandit signs,” and this time of year that includes advertisements for candidates.

Philadelphia is mounting a crackdown on the illegally placed ads, regardless of their content.

Signs for plenty of candidates adorn utility poles across Philadelphia.

But state Rep. Rosita Youngblood said she doesn’t want to see her signs up there.

“I was driving down the street and I saw that a very rebellious supporter had put up some of my posters,” Youngblood said. “I immediately went down the street and started ripping them down because I am trying to abide by the law at every level.”

Jeff Smith of Germantown heard about Youngblood’s sign policy.

“To me, it’s not right if one candidate is posting them. Then the other should be able to post them as well,” said Smith.

That doesn’t mean Smith likes seeing utility poles covered in ads. He said he hasn’t taken down one of the illegally placed political signs, but he has removed other bandit signs like those with offers to buy houses.

Youngblood said she believes in following the law — and would like to see other candidates do the same. Philadelphia can fine anyone posting illegally $75 per sign.