I am sorry to report that at least three of the “Vote NO OVERRIDE” lawn signs were dismantled sometime Thursday night (Aug. 20) and Friday morning (Aug. 21). The signs were in proper positions at night at the Lathrop/Brainerd intersection and on North Main Street, but were found askew in the weeds in the morning. The sign on Brainerd was vandalized three times and reinstated; however, the fourth time it was stolen (during the day, after 9 a.m.) and cannot be found.
Two of the signs were not damaged per se, but one was actually stolen and all incidents have been reported to the South Hadley Police Department. The police noted that the wind might have dislodged the signs from their wire frames, but it was obviously vandalism and theft. Except for hurricane forces, wind could not lift these three signs from their wire frames. It was suggested to the police that they check the area for possible outdoor security cameras that might have caught the vandals in the act, but it is not known if any investigation has followed.
It is sad to see such acts of vandalism and theft over the mere expression of political differences and free speech.
Dr. Stephen Frantz
South Hadley