Published on
The Sachem
The campaign for the upcoming federal election is now well under way.
I would remind everyone to respect the democratic rights of others, particularly those who are currently exercising their political rights.
In the past, vandalism has been known to occur.
Lawn signs have been defaced or destroyed.
Not only are these acts morally repugnant in a free and democratic society, such actions are illegal.
The rules governing election advertising are clear:
· It is an offence to remove or deface a candidate's printed sign, poster or banner without proper authority.
On conviction, one will be liable to a fine (up to $1,000), incarceration (up to three months), or both.
Further, the court may order additional penalties, including compensating any person who has suffered damages.
· Election signs cannot be removed, but an employee of a public authority may remove a sign, poster or banner if it poses a hazard to public safety.
· No landlord (or person acting on their behalf) may prohibit a tenant from displaying election advertising posters on the premises to which the lease relates.
As well, no condominium corporation (or any of its agents) may prohibit the owner of a condominium unit from displaying election advertising posters on the premises of his or her unit, although it may set reasonable conditions on the size and type of posters.
· If a municipality has a by-law covering the size and location of signs, that by-law must also be respected.
I sincerely hope that after the election results are known, the decision of the people will be acknowledged, and a notorious "outside agitator" will conduct himself accordingly.
McHale may finally realize that he is not wanted, nor desired, in our community.
While one may have differences with another's political views, he is entitled to his views, however mistaken he may be.
As a Canadian politician so correctly observed: "Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong."
In conclusion, I'd like to reiterate this question posed to McHale on earlier occasions: "When will you be leaving?"
Darrell Doxtdator