Chandler will debut a new graffiti removal vehicle and mascot this week. The big box truck replaces a pickup.
Stephen Erno, the city’s neighborhood services manager, said the new truck features a power washer, biodegradable chemicals and an image of a mascot dubbed "Eli" for elimination.
“He’s actually an elf,” Erno said. “Essentially, the idea is that we want people to feel as though graffiti magically disappears.”
Chandler is launching a social media campaign using #GETchandler. GET stands for Graffiti Elimination Team. Erno said they want people to get involved by taking and posting pictures of the graffiti removal truck. It will also be used to educate students about the cost of graffiti.
“It isn’t a prank, it isn’t something that’s fun,” he said. “It actually does cost money and is damaging to people’s property and point out the fact that it really does take away from their neighborhoods. It doesn’t make neighborhoods look good.”
The vehicle will be on display at Operation Back to School at Chandler High School on Saturday, July 22 from 7 to 11 a.m.
Chandler handles nearly 2,000 graffiti removals each year.
