Forestport election season returns along with illegal tactics

To the Editor:

On Thursday, July 23, the Parker Snead Reelection Committee distributed 8-9 lawn signs to various residents and highway locations in the Town of Forestport. These signs feature the words: “Parker Loves Forestport” on a bright red and blue background.

The two highway locations were at the junction of the North Lake Road and Bardwell Mills Road by the railroad tracks in Buffalo Head and the other sign was located at the Route 28 Forestport off ramp by the overpass. 

These are the two most popular locations in Forestport to post signs of all kinds including yard sales, real estate, and, during election campaigns, candidate signs.

Within 24 hours, our two signs at these locations were stolen.

None of the other election or real estate signs found at these locations were taken.

This act of vandalism obviously was targeted at Parker Snead who is running for reelection as Forestport Town Supervisor.

This vandalism is continuing a pattern which we saw two years ago when many of Snead’s signs were destroyed by vandals.

Since it is still against the law to steal personal property, if this type of vandalism continues we will report all such incidents to the State Police.

Forestport residents deserve a fair election campaign for Supervisor free of vandalism.

Two years ago, they saw through this type of illegal activity and they elected Snead over the incumbent.

This year, the Republican primary will be held on September 10 and we predict that once again, Parker Snead will defeat his challenger.

On Saturday morning, July 25, these two signs were replaced by the Committee.

William Tapley

Parker Snead Reelection 

Committee

UPDATE: The nasty campaign against incumbent Forestport town supervisor, Parker Snead, has taken another nasty turn. The two election signs which we replaced, after they had been stolen last week, have been stolen again along with 6 other  signs.

Yesterday, July 28, the thefts of those 8 were reported to the New York State Police and they have begun an investigation.

Last night, two more signs were stolen and this vandalism has also been reported.

Ten signs have been taken so far with a total value of more than $50. I have signed the police deposition and the statement reads in part: “I want the persons or persons responsible arrested and prosecuted.”

Following is a list of the locations for our stolen signs:

1) Kernan Rd & Rt 28 (by Campbell’s Diner) (stolen 7/29)

2) Dutch Hill Rd & River Rd (stolen 7/25-28)

3) Forestport off ramp at Rt 28 (stolen twice)

4) White Lake Rd & Rt 28 (stolen 7/29)

5) Horton Rd & Rt 28 (stolen 7/25-28)

6) Horton Rd & Kincaid Rd (stolen 7/25-28)

7) Woodhull Rd & Dustin Rd (stolen 7/25-28)

8) O’Brien Rd & North Lake Rd (Buffalo Head) (stolen twice)

As a lifelong resident of Forestport I have seen many nasty political campaigns in my lifetime but this is already shaping up to be one of the nastiest.

I am asking the public to report all acts of theft and vandalism against our signs to the State Police in order to aid in their ongoing investigation.

I predict that this theft of Parker Snead’s reelection campaign signs will backfire against the opposition. Vandalism does not resonate well with voters. The people of Forestport want a fair campaign free of illegal activities.

On Friday morning, at 11:45 AM, the Committee will replace signs at all 8 locations beginning with the Dutch Hill Rd at River Rd location. The Committee will assemble at the Forestport Dam lower parking lot. Committee members will stay at that location for 15 minutes for anyone who may wish to stop by and ask for more information.

—William Tapley

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