Please follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, Truth Social, Gettr, Twitter
At the Oxford Town meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Oxford Interim Police Chief Chris Phillips commented on reports of the theft and defacing of political signs in the Town. The town is in the midst of an election for one town commissioner's spot. The Easton Gazette reported on those incidents as well as others.
Phillips addressed "campaign sign bandits" and reminded everyone that stealing political signs is a chargeable offense in Maryland. He talked about the fundamental right of citizens to free political speech with is demonstrated by campaign signs. He also said that Joe Coale, the Talbot State's Attorney, has committed to charging people found guilty of the offense. "It's a stupid way to get a charge," Phillips said, "But if you do it I will charge you."
In our article in the Easton Gazette, we asked for the two candidates, Norm Bell and Josh Coder, to release statements to their supporters condemning these illegal and unethical acts.
As yesterday was Memorial Day, it seems appropriate for this article today so that the candidates can advocate for the freedom of speech that some of our men and women in the military fought and died for.
We have responses from both candidates:
FROM JOSH CODER: Thank you for your recent article titled "Dirty Politics in A Small Town" (EastonGazette.com, 13 May 2024). I agree that interfering with political speech and political signs is wrong. This morning I have published the following statement on my website and in my email newsletter condemning this type of behavior:
Dear Oxford Neighbors,
I would like to go on the record and state that I condemn the theft or defacing of any political yard signs. There is no place in our community for this kind of behavior.
I know that the vast majority of our citizens stand by this declaration. I, and every Oxford citizen that stands with me in condemning this behavior, expect everyone to act in a civilized manner during this election season.
Please remember to vote.
Most sincerely,
Josh Coder
FROM NORM BELL:
Jan - here's my statement:
"The theft or defacing of political yard signs is a criminal offense. It is unethical and, most importantly, it is an attack on democracy. I condemn any such activity.
But, I also condemn those who seek to intimidate property owners by making multiple calls and visits seeking to gain a homeowner’s consent to place a sign on their property. Let’s get back to civil and courteous conduct of our elections."
Thanks for the opportunity.
Norm
The Easton Gazette has had some firsthand accounts of repeated attempts to intimidate property owners to put up certain signs or take certain signs down. While it is not illegal, it is unethical and also needs to stop.
It's our hope that these statements remind all of the supporters of each candidate to conduct ethical, honest and fair campaigns.
If you have signs stolen or defaced, please contact the Oxford Police Department.
Most important:
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024, FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL 8 P.M. AT THE OXFORD COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING, 101 MARKET STREET, OXFORD, MD
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTERS (Town Charter, Article VI, Sec. C5-1)
