2 Democrat Candidates' Signs Defaced, Vandalized In Short Beach

BRANFORD, CT —Branford Democratic Tax Collector Roberta “Bobi” Gill-Brooks and Branford Democratic candidate for Town Clerk, Eileen Poulton Cimino, called for "civility and respect" after their campaign political signs were defaced and vandalized across the Short Beach neighborhood, according to a news release.

Both Gill-Brooks and Poulton Ciminio's signs had red paint scrawled across their names and faces and on Gill-Brooks' sign, a red arrow drawn through the head, the release reads, adding that one of the signs was a large 4-foot by 4-foot sign on Shore Drive.

In a statement emailed to Patch, both candidates were quoted as asking for civility.

“This close to an election, people’s emotions can get the best of them, but I know Branford is better than this,” Gill-Brooks said. “Please, let’s show each other the civility and kindness that makes Branford such a wonderful community to live in.”

“Having grown up in Branford, it was disappointing to see this vandalism,” Poulton Cimino said. “We can disagree, but we should always respect one another. It will be costly, but I will replace the signs and continue my campaign with a smile.”

Democratic Town Chair Kevin Coughlin called both women "unflappable."

“Branford Democrats are lucky to have two strong, unflappable women running town wide to build a better Branford,” he said. “We hope everyone can resist the urge to resort to these kinds of actions moving forward.”

When asked if a police report was filed, Coughlin said the party was "not interested in using the valuable time and resources of the police department on this incident."