Open Letter: Stealing Campaign Signs is an Affront to Our Democratic Principles

To Whom it May Concern,

As a first-time council candidate, my family, friends and I have been disheartened to find that individuals have trespassed onto private properties of fellow citizens to steal 25 of my campaign yard signs sometime after dark last week. As a longtime resident of Forest Hills, I was taken aback and saddened that individuals—who obviously think this is a way to further the cause of opposing candidates—would conduct themselves in such a negative fashion as we approach Election Day.

This is not only a violation of the basic principles of American democracy, it also amounts to a criminal act. I suppose there are those who do not want the voters to know who I am, and that I have made a commitment, if elected, to represent my fellow citizens with all of my energy to end the unproductive petty politics that has damaged our local communities.

The precise reason I am running is to put an end to this sort of low-level political mischief so we can focus on the needs of our community and worry about protecting our citizens' hard earned taxpayer dollars.

Over the past year, many have told me, "Get involved," and that is what I have dedicated myself to doing. But apparently there are those who feel that freedom of speech is something that can be taken away to further their personal agendas. Maybe they believe the ends justify the means. But these yard signs came from out of pocket money that my wife and I spent from our personal savings in order to make a difference. I hope that citizens in all of our communities report these sorts of unauthorized removal of signs to their local officials or to the district attorney’s office, so that we make clear that this type of abuse of the democratic process will not be tolerated.

Election Day presents an opportunity for voters to support the local candidates of their choice. Hopefully, those who participate in this process will take their duties seriously and remember that seeking to win at the expense of others—by violating the rules—is the exact opposite of what our system of government stands for. 

I take pride in my community. My wife was raised in Forest Hills and we have made it our lifetime home. Hopefully, when Election Day arrives, voters will have a chance to see my yard signs displayed prominently and see that I am committed to running as a candidate for position of council in Forest Hills. 

It would be a shame to have the voice of my friends and neighbors, who wish to show their support for me, silenced by a small number of people who think that rules can be violated in order to further their personal agendas.

Sincerely,

Harry White

Candidate for Council

Forest Hills