The town of Hanson, Massachusetts, has ordered residents to stop projecting political signs onto the city’s water tower or face fines, town officials announced.
The footage, projected onto a tower in High Street, caused public disorder as some residents mistakenly believed the town supported its message.
Hanson Town Administrator Lisa Green said in a written statement Saturday that as a government agency, the town does not endorse political candidates or allow political signage on city-owned land.
“This misleads the public into thinking that this activity is sanctioned or tolerated by the town,” Green said in a written statement.
Officials are preparing to issue cease-and-desist orders against residents who violate local sign regulations, and the town will impose fines of $100 per day until the violations stop.
In the meantime, the Highways Department has placed spotlights to reduce the visibility of the projections. The town is considering additional measures to completely stop unauthorized exhibitions.
Green said the case could result in significant costs to taxpayers, including legal fees and overtime for the Highway Department. Daily fines may not offset those expenses, she said.
Residents have the right to display messages on their property, but political displays are prohibited on public property or in a way that suggests support for the town, Green said.
