West Carrollton man gives out campaign signs, gets shout-out from Trump

West Carrollton — A West Carrollton man’s yard caught the eye of many people recently including President Donald Trump.

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The president shared a photo of Rick Dobson’s yard filled with hundreds of political campaign signs on Twitter and Facebook.

Dobson said he loads his front yard with hundreds of political campaign signs each election year for one day for anyone to pick up.

“I am trying to do what I can to make a difference,” said Dobson. “The big issue is people don’t know where to get signs. They’re not easily available.”

His yard had over 900 signs on Saturday.

Dobson works in promotional sales and said he pays for all the signs himself.

People can get their campaign signs from Dobson up until the election is over, he said.

This weekend, the president’s posts to social media reached hundreds of thousands of people.

“I don’t need a pat on the back. I am doing it for the betterment of my country in my opinion, but it was kind of nice to see that,” said Dobson.

Dobson said the picture the president shared was not taken recently.

“That was the 2016 picture. That’s been floating around on the internet for quite a few years,” Dobson said. “See how long it takes to catch the president’s eye? He’s a pretty busy guy.”

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Representatives with the Montgomery County’s Democratic Party said they have given away more than 3,500 campaign signs this year and is expected to give out more than any other previous campaign.

Area officers have recently had multiple reports of political signs being stolen including parts of Montgomery, Greene and Miami counties.

No matter a person’s political affiliation, Dobson said he believes it’s important for people to be able to express their opinion.

“I tell people that the front yard is our last defense, so I think you should have the right to put signs in the yard,” Dobson said.

It is illegal to steal or deface signs from a person’s yard.

Dobson told News Center 7′s Katy Andersen that he only puts signs in his yard when he is home. If anyone wants a sign, they should ask him first.

Cox Media Group