Democrats and Republicans these days have trouble seeing eye to eye on just about everything. But for two local leaders they joining forces in agreement on one thing - leave yard signs alone.
Venango County Republican chair Keith Klinger and his counterpart on the Democrat side, John Kluck, have issued a letter urging residents to respect the opinion of others even if they happen to disagree.
And they give a friendly public service announcement warning that some actions are actually against the law.
“The right of a property owner to post signs representing their political beliefs is established in the First Amendment…,” the letter states. “...Some might view defacing or taking down yard signs as an act of civil discourse or political activism, but the law is clear on the issue: Trespassing on private property to commit vandalism to, or theft of political signs are all criminal offenses.”
Kluck and Klinger composed and signed a joint letter this week that they want everyone to read. It is important to them, as leaders, to make sure everyone knows that vandalism is not OK with them.
Below is the letter in its entirety. It was released on a combined Republican and Democrat masthead.
Title: Message from Venango County Republican and Democratic party chairs:
“Driving through Venango County, one can’t help but notice that it is political yard sign season.
Leaders from local Republican and Democratic parties would like to remind residents that political signs are an expression of individual choices and should be respected.
The right of a property owner to post signs representing their political beliefs is established in the First Amendment which protects every citizen’s right to freedom of expression. No one should be leery to display signs in fear of vandalism.
Some might view defacing or taking down yard signs as an act of civil discourse or political
activism, but the law is clear on the issue: Trespassing on private property to commit vandalism
to, or theft of political signs are all criminal offenses.
Please be respectful of others’ rights even when they differ from yours and do not alter signs or
trespass on private property.”
Signed,
Keith Klinger, Republican Chair Venango County and John Kluck, Venango County Democratic Chair
Venango County Republican chair Keith Klinger and his counterpart on the Democrat side, John Kluck, have issued a letter urging residents to respect the opinion of others even if they happen to disagree.
And they give a friendly public service announcement warning that some actions are actually against the law.
“The right of a property owner to post signs representing their political beliefs is established in the First Amendment…,” the letter states. “...Some might view defacing or taking down yard signs as an act of civil discourse or political activism, but the law is clear on the issue: Trespassing on private property to commit vandalism to, or theft of political signs are all criminal offenses.”
Kluck and Klinger composed and signed a joint letter this week that they want everyone to read. It is important to them, as leaders, to make sure everyone knows that vandalism is not OK with them.
Below is the letter in its entirety. It was released on a combined Republican and Democrat masthead.
Title: Message from Venango County Republican and Democratic party chairs:
“Driving through Venango County, one can’t help but notice that it is political yard sign season.
Leaders from local Republican and Democratic parties would like to remind residents that political signs are an expression of individual choices and should be respected.
The right of a property owner to post signs representing their political beliefs is established in the First Amendment which protects every citizen’s right to freedom of expression. No one should be leery to display signs in fear of vandalism.
Some might view defacing or taking down yard signs as an act of civil discourse or political
activism, but the law is clear on the issue: Trespassing on private property to commit vandalism
to, or theft of political signs are all criminal offenses.
Please be respectful of others’ rights even when they differ from yours and do not alter signs or
trespass on private property.”
Signed,
Keith Klinger, Republican Chair Venango County and John Kluck, Venango County Democratic Chair
Unsure if this sign was vandalized after it was put in place along Route 322 outside Franklin, or if it was a purposeful political statement done before placement. The latter seems more likely given the location and neatness of the letters and X on a plastic sheet-style sign.
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