By Adam Pagnucco.
The Committee for Better Government, which is advocating for a ballot question reducing term limits for the county executive from three to two, is alleging that its campaign signs are getting stolen. The committee has released the video below to back up its claim.
Theft of campaign signs is illegal in Maryland. Nevertheless, it happens frequently and media reports have discussed it occurring in Carroll County, Howard County, the Eastern Shore, and Silver Spring. Former Delegate Pat McDonough and a cabinet member of Governor Martin O’Malley’s administration were charged with stealing signs.
However, it’s illegal for unauthorized signs, including political signs, to be placed in state rights of way. State law allows the State Highway Administration, law enforcement officers and local governments to remove such signs. Section 6.7.7 of the county’s zoning ordinance permits temporary signs in county rights of way with a number of restrictions. The video above does not specify the locations of the removed signs.
Whether this electoral combat is legal or not, the heat is on with County Executive Marc Elrich’s tenure in office at stake. We shall see what awaits us after November 5.