In a show of unity and bipartisanship, the chairs of both the Wilton Republican Town Committee and Wilton Democratic Town Committee issued a joint message asking the public for ‘respect’ and ‘civility’ after a spate of political lawn signs have gone missing.
“As the chairs of Wilton’s Republican and Democratic parties, we may have our differences, but on this issue, we stand united.”
That was the lead of the message from DTC Chair Tom Dubin and RTC Chair Peter Wrampe, both long-time party leaders who have seen this same thing happen in past elections and now again.
They confirmed that signs from both political parties have gone missing.
The two said that the problem is intensifying, and called it more than just simple theft of property.
“We are deeply concerned by the rising number of stolen political lawn signs these past weeks. Over a dozen incidents have been reported to the Wilton Police Department, and this behavior is not just an attack on property — it undermines our democratic process and the free speech rights of your neighbors.”
Wilton Police confirmed that at present, 14 reports of sign thefts have been made.
Wrampe and Dubin said the message was a plea about principles “to our entire community,” and thanked residents in advance for “cooperation and commitment to civility.”
“Please respect the principles that bind us all. Safeguard your neighbor’s right to express their views, protect their property, and uphold the integrity of our election process,” they wrote, adding, “Together, let’s foster a climate of respect, even in disagreement.”
The story has been updated to reflect that, according to DTC Chair Dubin, his party has reported to police a dozen incidents at locations where signs have been stolen; and that Wilton Police said 14 instances have been reported so far.
I’m one of many Wilton volunteers who post requested lawn signs. It’s an honor to do this, yet it comes with risk given our curving, tree-lined roads lacking sidewalks. Whenever a volunteer posts these signs—and when someone removes them (and a volunteer replaces them)—there’s a safety issue. Leave these signs in place, and express personal political convictions through voting.
This IS theft and the perpetrators should be well aware of police reports filed against these actions.
Maybe both parties should save money and cease polluting Wilton roadways by discontinuing their silly political signage. Has anyone ever decided their vote because of a lawn sign?
As someone who has had a yard sign stolen we can and should do better as a town. We can disagree civilly and not steal or deface other property.
I don’t particularly mind seeing yard signs on PRIVATE PROPERTY, but I don’t appreciate seeing them on PUBLIC PROPERTY and one of the current candidates is notorious for this abuse!