PARIS – At least a dozen campaign signs for the selectmen race in Paris have been stolen or damaged.

Raymond Glover, an incumbent selectman who is campaigning with Lloyd “Skip” Herrick, said about 10 of their signs have been stolen, and an additional two or three damaged.

Candidate Al Atkinson, who is campaigning with Troy Ripley, said eight to 10 of their signs have been stolen or damaged.

Glover said he and Herrick have put out about 50 signs, while Atkinson said he and Ripley have placed about 200 signs.

Both campaigns have been replacing the missing signs.

A fifth candidate, George Coffren Jr., said he has not placed any campaign signs around town.

Glover said he believes politics may be the motivating factor behind the thefts.

“I was surprised,” Glover said. “I just could not believe that people would react in such a fashion.”

Atkinson said the thefts were a minor occurrence.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s no big deal,” he said. “It could be anybody doing it.”

Town Manager Sharon Jackson said political signs are not allowed in landscaped traffic islands or public parks in Paris, both to preserve the flowers on the islands and prevent traffic hazards.

Jackson said any signs in these areas will be removed by the Highway Department.

According to a notice by Sheriff Wayne Gallant, candidates and their supporters may not illegally place signs on the property of others. Stealing, defacing, or disturbing a political sign is punishable by a fine of up to $250 for each occurrence.

The referendum election for Paris officials will take place on June 10.


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