A Tale of Two Campaigns: Why We're Knocking on Doors, Not Plastering Parks

If you’ve driven around Burlington lately, you’ve probably noticed something. The political season is in full swing, and with it comes an explosion of plastic yard signs. It’s a familiar sight, but this year, I want you to look a little closer. Because how a campaign asks for your vote tells you a lot about how they would govern.

From day one, our campaign has made a simple promise: to do the real work. We believe the only way to earn your trust is to show up, listen, and have real conversations about the future of our city. Our strategy is built on shoe leather and substance. We are spending our time on your sidewalks and at your doors, having the most incredible, uplifting conversations about how we can solve problems and build a better Burlington, together.

But there’s another approach on display—an “Astroturf” campaign that seems to believe that shouting with plastic is the same as listening to people.

Instead of engaging with voters, my opponents are busy carpet-bombing our community with their signs. You’ll find them in vacant lots, on public right-of-ways, and most dishearteningly, they’re even popping up in our beautiful city parks.

This is a particularly bold choice from Council Member Harold Owen, who as a former Director of our Parks department, should know better than anyone the importance of protecting our shared public spaces. It shows a fundamental lack of respect for our community and the rules that are in place to keep it beautiful.

Ultimately, this reveals a profound difference in philosophy. Our campaign is a conversation between neighbors, built from the ground up. Theirs is a top-down broadcast, assuming they can win your vote without ever having to hear your voice.

We believe your voice is infinitely more important than their signs.

If you believe in a campaign built on substance, not plastic, and if you want leaders who will listen to you, not just shout at you, then I’m asking you to join us. Join the team that is actually talking to voters and building a movement for the future.

Sign up here to join us for a canvassing shift.

And on November 4th, vote for the campaign that listens.

For the love of Burlington,

Ian Baltutis