U.F. should make stealing signs punishable

We've lived in Upper Freehold Township since the mid-'70s. Often throughout our 33 years here, we have shown our support for various candidates by placing political signs along the road in front of our property. Often those signs were for state or federal candidates, some of whom were not Republicans. More often than I can count, these signs were run over, destroyed or stolen. During the last presidential election, our signs were burned where they stood.

A few days ago, during the nighttime hours, something similar occurred. Our two signs supporting Bryan Scheff for Upper Freehold Township Committee were stolen. We understand that over the last few nights several dozen others in the township supporting Bryan with signs on their property had theirs stolen as well. It is time for the township to put a stop to this immature, divisive and intolerant "tradition."

I am asking the Township Committee to step up and bring our community together into the 21st century by ridding our town of these addled-brained practices. I am requesting that before the next general election, you pass an ordinance with some teeth in it to make the destruction or thievery of political signs a misdemeanor in Upper Freehold, punishable by a $100 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and jail time for the third strike. Further, upon passing the ordinance, I request that during election season you charge the New Jersey State Police to patrol the community during the night hours when these intolerant people roam our byways like the Ku Klux Klan of yesterday, forcing their vision of democracy on all of us.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Jon Tomson Upper Freehold