A "sign" of the times...?

If the papers are correct, the City of Winder recently paid $58,000 for this “welcome and city events” sign. Granted, the money spent was proceeds from the hotel/motel tax (which must be used for marketing and/or tourism.) But still, $58,000 for one sign? Seems like a lot to me.

The sign is on “recently acquired” property at the intersection of Hwy 81/ Punkin Junction Rd on the way to 316 and beyond. You don’t have time to read the information on the sign as you speed by going towards Winder. If you're stuck in traffic waiting at the 316 light – and you crane your neck – you can take in a few of the messages and/or a councilman’s face or two. (They appear between the events and messages.)   

My point is, this sign doesn’t seem to be an especially effective marketing or tourism tool, given its location along a fast moving traffic route AND this sign cost a lot of money.

I don’t recall reading about discussion of the sign or information being presented about its potential effectiveness. I don’t’ recall reading about other ways $58,000 in marketing and/or tourism funds could be spent. I just recall reading about the sign when it was a done deal.  

This seems to be the way too many city purchases are made – without public discussion or input, without presentation or justification, and with minimal news coverage. We read about Winder's money was spent, after the checks have been written.  

I’m not faulting the media here. I’m faulting the process that leads up to these purchases.

If elected, I will strive to ask questions, raise discussion, review the facts and other potential options before voting to spend our city’s valuable dollars.