Written by Samantha Cheney
HANSON – For the second night in a row Saturday, a political sign displaying the message “Trump 2024” was projected onto a water tower in Massachusetts.
On Friday, authorities became aware that a High Street resident was projecting images from his property onto the Hanson water tower, a police department spokesperson said.
After receiving the illegal messages, Highway Department officials installed spotlights to dim the messages. The town said it is considering further steps to blunt the forecast.
“The Town of Hanson respects the right of all residents to free speech and the right of all residents to express their political views,” Town Administrator Lisa Green said in a statement Saturday. “However, use on Town of Hanson property or in any manner that suggests the Town of Hanson supports political candidates is prohibited.”
With just over three weeks until Election Day, the sign is causing a stir in town.
“I think it’s amazing,” said one resident.
“He’s a terrible guy and it’s more of a water tower in town to promote that either of them is wrong,” resident Patricia Riggs said.
Taxpayer’s tax will be charged
The town fined responsible residents $100 per day until the activity was halted.
The fine will cover costs associated with concealing the message, but the town says it is unlikely to cover the entire cost.
“A lot of taxpayer money will be spent on legal fees, overtime pay for the Highway Department employees who turn the spotlights on and off every day, and the possibility of having to rent or purchase more powerful lighting equipment.”
Administrators say the town is also working on filing a cease and desist order.
