Ned Staebler's campaign for state rep picks up support from Ann Arbor's littlest residents
One of many tiny campaign signs supporting state representative candidate Ned Staebler is perched outside one of the fairy doors in downtown Ann Arbor.
Photo courtesy of Ned Staebler
Ned Staebler's campaign for 53rd District state representative picked up endorsements this week from an unexpected group of supporters.
That's right — several of the fairies of downtown Ann Arbor have perched Staebler's campaign signs outside their tiny doorsteps.
"Good news!" Staebler announced on his Facebook page. "Even the littlest residents of downtown A2 are supporting our campaign."
In all seriousness, Staebler printed the signs himself and put them together using paperclips and glue. He said the stunt was simply for fun.
Staebler is encouraging Ann Arbor residents to go out and find all of the signs around town. He says the first 10 people to post pictures of Staebler's signs at the fairy doors will win a prize.
Pictures should be posted at Staebler's Facebook page.
For more information on the fairy doors of Ann Arbor visit www.urban-fairies.com.
Staebler, of Ann Arbor, faces off against Washtenaw County Commissioner Jeff Irwin in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary for a chance to fill Rebekah Warren's seat in the state House.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Steven Harper Piziks
Sun, Jun 27, 2010 : 11:18 p.m.
I think it's kind of funny. It won't influence my vote, but I think it's a cute, Ann Arbor-based way of introducing a candidate.
UFOfairyologist
Tue, Jun 22, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.
I would think that the urban fairies are all about fun and cleverness (I know I am. At least I TRY to be). I think that Mr. Staebler's intent was just in fun, HOWEVER commandeering the fairy doors as a vehicle for self-promotion was not well thought out. I am sure he has moved on to more serious topics befitting of a candidate.
M.
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 10:01 p.m.
My opinion is that it's clever and amusing on this rare occasion, but I think the fairies and the visitors of their doors would quickly show anyone hoping to install those sort of messages at the doors regularly that they won't stay there and they are unwelcome. It is a good question of how the destruction of such an advertisement would be viewed in the eyes of the law.
Ryan J. Stanton
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.
@alterego Quite the clever observation. Kudos. @Vivienne Armentrout Thanks for the link. The fairyologist's official statement on this is perhaps worth sharing in full here: "It has come to my attention that a local candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives from the 53rd District is using the fairy doors as a campaign tool/gimmick. I would like to post my disclaimer: I am NOT endorsing ANY political candidate via the fairy doors. further: The urban fairies do not vote, most do not read or write and definately do not give a frog's bottom about human politics."
Vivienne Armentrout
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.
This is kind of fun, but raises interesting questions of ownership of such spontaneous creative endeavors. Staebler admits putting the signs out himself. But the fairies' spokesperson and publicist denies any support for a particular candidate according to the news blog. What if various unauthorized persons start to install messages at the fairy doors? "Eat at Joe's" "Impeach the Mayor" "Go, Ohio State!"? Some Ann Arbor traditions are too special (I almost said "sacred") to be used as campaign ploys, and creative effort should be respected and not co-opted.
M.
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
Of course they don't. If fairies got involved in politics I would lose much respect from them. =)
UFOfairyologist
Fri, Jun 18, 2010 : 7:16 p.m.
the urban fairies of the fairy doors in Ann Arbor do NOT endorse ANY political candidate. These signs are a joke.
M.
Fri, Jun 18, 2010 : 7:16 p.m.
HAHAHA It would be on the RIGHT side of the fairy exiting the door...wow that's great. I just absolutely love and adore these fairy doors. The man who is...in charge of them...even saw my daughter and I on one of our frequent fairy door tours and took some photos and handed us a map and flyer with info about all of the doors. It made for a very magical day for the both of us.
alterego
Fri, Jun 18, 2010 : 7:03 p.m.
Please pardon my observation, but is that a wing nut on the side of the door opposite the banner? As they emerge from their abodes, would fairies symbolize their political views as right wing nuts?