Theft Of Campaign Signs In Southold Prompts Bi-Partisan Response

SOUTHOLD, NY — The theft of campaigns signs in Southold has prompted a bi-partisan response from Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, a Republican, and Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, a Democrat.

Russell said, according to Krupski, the signs were for the Democratic candidate for Congress, Nancy Goroff. After winning a primary, Goroff is hoping to unseat incumbent Rep. Lee Zeldin.

"Given the strident partisanship we are seeing, which is a stunning change in Southold’s culture, there will likely be more taken from both sides of the political aisle," Russell said. "That is unacceptable regardless of how you feel about any of the candidates."

Russell and Krupski issued a joint statement regarding the recent removal and destruction of campaign signs.

"The removal of political signs is an act aimed at suppressing free speech, a right which we as Americans cherish, and one protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Suppression of free speech is unpatriotic and will not be tolerated in our community," they said.

Regardless of residents' political beliefs, "we are facing an extremely contentious national election, one which threatens to divide our community to the detriment of all of us. There is no need to bring any divisiveness into our community," they said.

With so much stress and tensions high, it is vitally important for all to be tolerant of one another and of opinions and beliefs that differ from one's own, they said.

"These are the founding principles of our nation. This means respecting freedom of speech and property, whether the speech is in the form of a written or spoken word, or the property is a political sign on your neighbor’s lawn. We call on all Southold residents to practice tolerance, and perhaps compassion. We all must strive to find our best selves during these trying times. Please, exercise your right to free speech, but respect everyone else’s right to do so," Krupski and Russell said.

Tolerance is critical especially because of the pandemic, both said.

The current year brought a number of challenges to Southold Town, "not the least of which is the coronavirus pandemic, the statement read.

"Individuals and families grapple with a new reality. Older residents may be experiencing loneliness and isolation, and many local businesses are struggling to remain viable. Some have lost jobs. Parents are dealing with the uncertainties of sending their children back to school, whether it is in person, virtually or both, worrying not only about their education and physical safety, but their mental health and need for socialization as well," Krupski and Russell said.

North Fork residents are also "coping with increased numbers of visitors to our community, those who come here to find solace at our beaches and parks, but by virtue of their sheer numbers, stress these fragile natural resources beyond their capacity, and often try our patience."

Southold Town Democratic Committee Chair Kathryn Casey Quigley commented on the stolen signs: "I understand that theft is theft. And that it’s never okay. But the theft of lawn signs belies a larger problem. And the larger problem is what we should be focusing on. Law signs don’t matter. Black lives matter. Latino lives matter. Justice matters. Democracy matters. Focus on that. Fight for that. Mad about lawn signs? Go register a new voter. Or call an elected official about an issue of substance that you are passionate about. Lawn signs don’t make change, but action does. Take it."

Peter McGreevy, chair of the Southold Town Republican Party, also responded to the news of the thefts: "A number of Zeldin for Congress signs are also missing, and it is unfortunate that some individuals are resorting to theft in an effort to suppress the political beliefs of their own neighbors," he said. "Tensions are obviously elevated this campaign season, and I ask that voters on both sides of the political spectrum advocate for the candidates of their choice, rather than try to cancel the voices of those they do not agree with. I join with Supervisor Russell and Legislator Krupski in their call for tolerance and respect, and expect members of our local political parties to do the same."