A cold Saturday wind played havoc with signs and banners in what has become an annual tradition prior to Belmont town elections: supporters crowding the sidewalks across or next to the MBTA commuter rail bridge at the corner of Common Street and Concord Avenue.

While there has yet to be an appearance by sign holders for the three residents seeking the two seats on the Board of Library Trustees, supporters for Roger Colton and Sami Baghdady – including family members and one candidate – who are running to succeed retiring Selectman Ralph Jones on the Board where out in force at what has become Belmont’s own Speakers’ Corner, an open-air space for free political “speech” where all sides can come and advocate.