Sign vandalism in Aurora a crime

In the cover of darkness, someone trespassed onto my private property, vandalizing my "Weisner For Mayor" sign by cutting it completely in half. I have since learned that about 80 other 4-by-4 feet Tom Weisner signs were similarly destroyed that night on commercial properties throughout Aurora. I take offense to these acts. Not only do they violate the right of free expression for the candidate of choice, but on a larger scale, they send absolutely the wrong message to residents and nonresidents alike. Monday morning, on Galena Boulevard, one could see property after property with destroyed signs, plainly visible to all those driving by. We have worked hard to improve the image of the city, and these acts of vandalism certainly did not portray our city in the best light. While crime has plummeted throughout Aurora during the past few years, how sad to see this issue rear its ugly head in of all places, the mayoral race. I would urge all candidates to take a position of leadership within their own campaigns, condemning these actions. I also urge anyone having information concerning the responsible parties to step forward and contact the Aurora Police Department. As a small-business owner who has invested his own private capital to improve Aurora for over fifteen years, I appreciate the positive changes that Mayor Weisner has brought to this City and will continue to support him in his re-election effort but find it necessary to express my disappointment over these acts of vandalism. Please, let's keep the rest of this year's mayoral campaign fair, democratic, and most of all, crime-free.

Man Singh Das

Aurora