Vandals hit
Election campaign signs for the Liberal candidate for Pictou Centre were damaged in New Glasgow
Jeff Davis isn’t sure why two of his election signs were knocked down, likely overnight Thursday, but said vandalizing them is disrespectful.
“It’s kind of an affront to the people of the community. The signs are paid for by donations from members of the public,” said the Pictou Centre Liberal candidate, noting that many people of modest means have made contributions.
Signs for all three candidates in the Pictou Centre riding, including Progressive Conservative Pat Dunn and New Democrat Henderson Paris, are located in the stretch along North Provost Street where the vandalism occurred. On Friday morning, only two of the Davis signs – which were larger – were damaged.
Davis said going into an election, some vandalism is expected, and that a handful of his signs have already been damaged so far during this provincial election campaign.
Election signs cost about $7 for the smaller ones, and up to $40 for the larger ones, which includes the wood used to erect them.
Kenny Langille, who owns the Mattress Shop across the street from where the damaged signs are located, said this happens a lot.
“It’s quite a common occurrence during an election that signs get flattened down there in that area.”
Const. Ken MacDonald of the New Glasgow Regional Police said destruction of property is an irresponsible act of vandalism, and the police service receives calls of this nature during every election campaign.
“We encourage anybody who witnesses damage to contact police,” he said.
Damaging property can result in a mischief charge under the Criminal Code of Canada. If the damage is under $5,000, depending on how the charge is prosecuted, those found guilty can face maximum penalties of six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine or up to two years of incarceration.
The Nova Scotia general election takes place on May 30.