Banff-Airdrie Liberal Party candidate Marlo Raynolds is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest of individuals responsible for Liberal Party signs that were vandalized and stolen in recent weeks.
“It’s an unfortunate situation. We’ve had a number of signs stolen and vandalized – (more than) $1,000 worth of signs,” Raynolds said. “It’s unfortunate. We’ve been running the campaign based on engagement (with) people.”
According to Raynolds, around 35 to 40 campaign signs were stolen from Crossfield. More than 100 in total in Crossfield, Airdrie and Canmore were vandalized, leading the campaign to involve Airdrie RCMP.
“An individual was posting their own opinions and viewpoints, and posting homemade signs,” RCMP Media Liaison Constable Jason Curtis said. “The signs are the property of the individual candidates. If posted legally, (the vandalism) could result in a mischief charge. It is an individual damaging someone’s property.”
Though Curtis could not confirm whether the individual posting “rough-looking” homemade signs was the same individual who was vandalizing signs, he said RCMP did “believe it was the same person.”
Leo Puerzer, an Airdrie resident who made homemade signs, said RCMP officers told him to take down his anti-NDP and Liberal messages from his apartment window. Puerzer said he was not, however, the individual who vandalized the signs, noting his limited mobility.
“Freedom of expression means (I can put) a sign in my apartment,” he said.
Curtis said RCMP did not make any individuals remove signs from their personal property.
“That would be completely incorrect. As long as it’s not (in public), you’re completely free to make whatever sign you want and place it on your personal property,” he said. “When it’s on public property, you need the permission of the City.”
Raynolds said his team has replaced a “number” of signs, but are unable to replace all of them due to a limited budget.
“Many local individuals have phoned us and emailed us and are sad that they have seen this happen. (The community has) been very supportive,” he said.
“I think people want to ensure that in our democratic process that every candidate has equal opportunity to reach out and (engage). Signs and advertising are part of this process on the big ideas.”
According to a press release from Raynolds, the Banff-Airdrie NDP campaign may also have been the subject of stolen signs.
“If the (public) sees this, (similarly) to any other mischief, if you see anyone damaging election signs, don’t attempt to intervene,” Curtis said.
“Give us a call and give us any information that they have. We want to make sure no one’s personal (property) is damaged.”
