Express opinion, but not with chalk

We’d wager that it’s a simpler task to sign your name on a sheet of paper than to scrawl words on a sidewalk with a chunk of chalk.

Signing the paper isn’t against the law, either, which is nice.

Nor do you have to wait until after sunset.

Whoever was responsible would do more to advance their cause — plus avoid a possible charge of third-degree criminal mischief — by signing a petition seeking to recall Dorrah and Calder.

Recalls, it turns out, are perfectly legal. They don’t mess up sidewalks, either.

Although the chalk-wielder (or wielders) are cowardly as well as criminal, what bothers us most about the act is that it suppresses democracy.

It’s certain that business owners are less likely to run for City Council or any other elected office if they fear their public service will entice cretins who aim to wreck their livelihoods.

In fact we believe that the vandal(s) who targeted Dorrah and Calder deter everyone from seeking public office.

Even if you don’t own a business, why would you risk the trouble that might result from your casting a vote that you believe best represents the wishes of your constituents?

It’s easier to just mind your own business.

Trouble is, when everyone minds their own business, nobody pays much attention to the public’s business, which is, after all, everyone’s business.

The pool of candidates for City Council is shallow enough already. Last year, out of almost 5,900 people who were eligible to run, just nine became candidates.

To avoid emptying that pool altogether, we ought to be encouraging people to put their names in the hat rather than giving them reasons — losing their business, for instance — not to.

If you disagree with elected officials you have legal, reasonable ways to express yourself.

Go to a meeting.

Write a letter to the newspaper.

Sign a recall petition.

But please, leave businesses, and their sidewalks, out of it.