A public declaration of love has led to a response from an Australian deputy mayor that has gone viral, with his post gathering more than 5000 likes in just a few days.
Gladstone Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck shared an image of a road sign that had “I love you Hannah” spray-painted across it in neon pink paint while also adding that the lovelorn artist’s message had been “plastered all over town” at 20 or more other locations.
Mr Goodluck said he was sure Hannahs everywhere were appreciative of the attention, but the cost of fixing the signs would land on local taxpayers.
“I’m sure everyone travelling around BITS over the last few days has noticed that someone out there really, REALLY loves Hannah,” he wrote.
“While this very public display of affection has no doubt left many Hannah’s feeling the love, it will cost rate payers money for crews to head out and clean all this up over the next few weeks.
“Please don’t use public roads, road signs and car parks as your personal love letters.”
Mr Goodluck did have alternative ideas for the local Romeo, however.
“You can try: Writing “I love you Hannah” on a nice hand made card, buying some chocolates or a piece of jewellery or a surprise picnic in the park,” he said.
“Or anything else that only costs you time and money will be much more appreciated I’m sure, rather than costing everyone else in the region time and money with council crews having to clean it up.”
Mr Goodluck’s post has more than 2000 comments about the possible budding romance.
“I think we all deserve to know who Hannah is. Please next time paint her last name, this just isn’t good enough,” one wrote.
“After all this I hope Hannah loves whoever it is,” wrote another.
Not everyone was seemingly convinced that this was a beautiful love story that was unfolding.
“Hannah probably has a DVO out or something.” was one response.
“I think this screams ‘Hi Hannah I’m a flog’,” was another.
There were also plenty who took the opportunity to give the Deputy Mayor a bit of feedback on the local council efforts.
“For what we pay in rates I’m sure there’s plenty of extra cash to cover it,” one indignant responder wrote.
Another, presumably tongue in cheek, commented, “I’ll stop writing on signs when they start fixing roads.”
It remains to be seen whether Hannah’s No.1 fan continues to paint the town pink, but it certainly comes with a risk. If caught, the artist could face a fine as much as $3096 or even a prison sentence.
Let’s hope Hannah is worth it.