Signs that primary's getting down and dirty

BRISTOL – Perhaps it’s a sign of the times.
Democratic mayoral nominee Ellen Zoppo said this week that she has asked the police to investigate the “systematic removal and destruction” of her political signs all over town.
Two Federal Hill buildings, a former coffee shop and scaffolding around the entrance to the First Congregational Church have been painted on by Zoppo critics.
“While it appears that my signs are the only campaign signs being targeted,” Zoppo said, “my primary concern is for my supporters who are having their properties trespassed on, and for the public spaces that are being vandalized.”
City Councilor Art Ward, who is taking aim at Zoppo in the Sept. 11 mayoral primary, said neither he nor his supporters had anything to do with the missing signs.
“I really believe it’s not something we should be tying up police resources with,” Ward said.
“As much as it’s not right, and it’s frustrating, ever since I’ve been in politics, you’re always going to experience that,” Ward said.
He said he’s had between 30 and 40 of his 750 lawn signs vanish in recent weeks.
Zoppo said that her campaign has seen 200 signs disappear during the past three weeks, along with “two large banners cut from people's private fences.”
“It happens every night, in a different neighborhood,” she said.
“Anyone who has been involved in Bristol politics will tell you that the rate of Zoppo sign destruction is unprecedented,” said city Councilor Craig Minor, a Zoppo ally.
“I do not think these vandals are connected with the Ward organization,” Minor said.
But, Minor added, “That makes it all the more incumbent on him to publicly denounce these acts as undemocratic and frankly unhelpful to him, because they reflect on him.”
The councilman’s wife, Laura Minor, is offering a $100 reward for anyone who can help police catch the culprit or culprits.
Ward said he doesn’t like sign stealing either. But, he said, there “a million reasons why people do it” and many of them have nothing to do with politics.
“I can safely say that with the people who are working on my campaign, I cannot envision any of them out there doing that,” Ward said.
Zoppo said the police nearly caught someone stealing signs this week.
“A resident of Prospect Place called the police after midnight” on Tuesday “to report three people wearing black masks on the street trespassing and stealing campaign signs,” she said.
“The police found and pursued one individual on foot, and subsequently recovered a number of my campaign signs that were dropped by the suspects as they fled,” Zoppo said.
“I don't know who is doing it,” she added, “although we have been giving a very intriguing description of a person and a car that we are trying to follow up on.”
Zoppo said she believes her own signs are being targeted.
“I do not see the Ward signs, some in close proximity to my signs, being subjected to the same tactics,” Zoppo said.
“It is disappointing that people are resorting to these tactics,” Zoppo said.
“Political involvement and disagreement are good things. Criminal activity in the name of politics is not,” she said.
“I encourage those supporting either me or my opponent to express that support by voting, and discussing the issues and election with their family and friends,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my supporters for maintaining their composure and conducting themselves in a positive manner,” Zoppo added.

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com