DEAR SUN SPOTS: What are the laws on when political signs have to be taken down after the election? What are the penalties? Whom do we contact to report signs that are still up? — Concerned Citizen

ANSWER: In Maine, campaign signs may not be erected more than six weeks before an election and must be taken down within one week after the election if the sign is in a public right of way. If it is on private property, a sign can go up any time and can stay up forever as long as it does not interfere with traffic.

The civil penalty for illegal removal or defacing a campaign sign is a fine of $250; the fine for erecting a sign too soon or leaving it up past the take-down deadline is $100.

Some cities and towns in Maine have ordinances governing campaign signs that may be more strict than state law, so it’s worth checking with your town officials for more information.

To report a sign that is still up post-election, contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 624-7650 or go to www.maine.gov/sos.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a Guinness Book of World Records for 2004. We have an 8-year-old granddaughter who would like to have one. — Please call 562-8731

ANSWER: The Guinness Book of World Records, which is — bar none — the world’s best-selling copyright book, was redesigned in 2004 with a holographic cover. It contains world records on the longest moustache (Kalyan Ramji Sain of India at 11 feet 1 inch across), the most common infectious disease (the common cold), and the fastest sneeze (at an amazing 103.6 mph).

A number of copies of this book are available through online bookstores, at reduced prices. The following local bookstores also sell used books and may be able to help, or a reader may have a copy.

* Apple Valley Books, 121 Main St., Winthrop, ME 04364, 377-3967, www.applevalleybooks.com (used books not inventoried, but arranged according to genre and alphabetized).

* Artios used books, 180 Turner St., Auburn, 786-4007.

* Books N Things, 430 Main St., Norway, ME 04268, 739-6200, www.bntnorway.com, facebook.com/bntnorway, bntnorway@yahoo.com (used books numerous but not cataloged).

* Bridgton Books, 140 Main St., Bridgton, ME 04009, 647-2122, facebook.com/pages/Bridgton-Books/179021899789 (mostly new but have some used and a bargain section).

* Maine Book House, 1545 Main St. (Route 26), Oxford, ME 04270, 743-9300 (includes collectibles).

* Twice Sold Tales, 155 Main St, Farmington, ME 04938, 778-4411.

NOTE TO READERS: Sun Spots has hit her annual holiday slump, when people busy with shopping and baking forget to write that all-important letter to Sun Spots. If you have a question, a problem or something you’re just curious about, now is the time to ask!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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