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Chairmen Denounce Political Signs

Political signs indicating rent for tenants would increase if they don’t vote a certain way Nov. 5 are allegedly being placed on residential doors in the city.

The Post-Journal has been told signs that hang on doorknobs have been placed on apartment doors indicating that if they vote for Democratic candidates their rent will increase.

The signs falsely state that Democratic leaders in the city have proposed a landlord tax on each apartment in Jamestown. The signs also incorrectly state that landlords may raise rent as much as $30 a month and there could be inspections inside city apartments.

“Don’t vote for the Democrat council and mayor candidates on Nov. 5,” the signs state.

Brent Sheldon, city Republican Committee chairman and councilman, said he has not heard about the signs from any of his constituents. He said that, as far as he knows, no Republican endorsed candidates are delivering the signs and the city’s Republican Party does not endorse this type of tactic prior to Election Day.

“It’s what we call, ‘The October surprise,'” he said. “Someone comes out with something and throws a monkey wrench into the campaign.”

Sheldon also said he has attended two public debates of candidates running for both mayor and council. He said he has not heard once any Democratic, or any candidate from any party, proposing a landlord tax on residents who rent their residency.

Jim Walton, city Democratic Committee chairman, said it’s a scare tactic being used to trick people.

“They need a warrant or a court order. Someone can’t knock on your door and come inside without permission,” he said. “It’s not a pretty thing. I’m hoping it doesn’t hurt Democrats or anyone else in general who is running for office.”

Walton said the production and circulation of the signs go against state election law. He said if an individual or a group spends more than 10 cents on anything political, like the signs, that they have to file to be a political action committee, which hasn’t happened. He added that the signs don’t indicate who paid for them to be produced.

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