It seems to happen every election. But that doesn't make it right.
This week, several candidates running for Gibsons council alerted us to the theft and/or vandalism of election signs.The vandals, whoever they are, have run amok all over town. Council candidate Bob Curry was targeted, and Mayor Barry Janyk has been hit particularly hard as eight of his signs have been stolen. It's a pretty good hit in his pocketbook too. Eight signs at $24 a pop - you do the math.
We've also received an email from a concerned citizen who has also been targeted.
This person chose to post signs on her property. It's her right and her choice who she wishes to support. Someone stole three signs from the front of her house.
This type of behaviour is not only juvenile - it shows a total lack of respect for the candidates, supporters and the democratic process.
Election signs are, if you can forgive the pun, a sign of the times during elections.
Election signs are posted on public and private land for a few weeks during the campaign. It's a form of free speech. It's a way of candidates promoting themselves and letting voters know who they are. Election signs can be a bit much when you have so many candidates running, but remember, it's only for a few weeks.Democracy works only if people respect one another and their right to choose. Whether or not you agree with a candidate's position, that certainly doesn't give anyone the right to steal or vandalize property.
To these sign thieves, whoever you are, grow up and use your brain. Leave the signs alone and let the election process take place in a fair and respectful manner.
