We at Democratic Headquarters have received numerous
complaints from all over Chemung County about the theft of Biden-Harris and
Tracy Mitrano yard signs. I have also received calls about sign thefts from as
far away as Hammondsport and Rochester. I can only assume that there are
individuals who support Trump-Pence and Congressman Tom Reed for re-election
who do not respect free speech and the open democratic process. It is a fact
that all of these signs for Democratic Candidates are disappearing from private
property. Just two years ago, Tom Reed’s campaign staff accused a good man, a
local pastor, of theft for the removal of a Reed sign that contained a tracking
device from public property during the summer of the 2018 election period. They
even filed a criminal complaint against this pastor who pleaded not guilty! The
charge of petit larceny was officially dismissed without penalties in Corning
Town Court in February 2019.
Candidates’ lawn signs are celebrations of the political
freedom that we all should be able to enjoy. We all share responsibility to
protect this freedom. In this chaotic 2020 election year, we need civility and
decorum, not disrespect and theft of property.
Elections are about individual choice and recognition that every voter should have an equal opportunity to support the candidates of their choice. Signs in our yards on private property should be safe from theft and/or vandalism. Neighbors, fellow community members, let’s respect one another and set a good example for our new voters.
Thank You.
Jim Carr
Past Chair
Chemung County Democratic Committee
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My neighbor and I both had our signs stolen on Friday the 2nd of October. The funny thing is my Trump sign and his Biden signs were both grabbed.
Sounds like we have an equal opportunity thug steeling our first amendment.
Time for folks to calm down.
Just do American proud and vote. That is the ultimate solution!
Robert L. Christman
I would ask the writer of this letter ,how many of these signs were actually placed on peoples property versus placed along a public highway on the road rights of way? I've seen numerous examples of Mitrano, Biden /Harris and even Ross Scott signs that appear to have been randomly placed along a public roadway and no on private property
where they belong.
I haven't seen any Republican signs placed on public property but if they are, they should be removed just as any other political signs should.
If you support a candidate or political party, put the signs on your own property.
Duane Lewis
