Election Signs Disappearing

With just over five weeks to go until the election in November, election signs abound, but, in Bridgehampton, they are also disappearing

Several signs belonging to Jeff Mansfield, a Republican candidate for the Southampton Town Board, were reported stolen last week.

When reached on Wednesday, Mansfield said five large signs were taken on two consecutive nights. One was even taken down in front of his house.

"It's disheartening that someone would mess with a political sign," Mansfield said. "But I'd rather focus my energy on the issues."

Mansfield said the signs, which are 8-by-4-foot billboards one of which was on Newlight Lane and Montauk Highway, while two others were in the area around the Bridgehampton Commons, are costly. Between the making of the sign and the lumber, they are worth about $250 each. Three of the five signs have been replaced, he said.

A report was filed with the Southampton Town Police Department on Sept. 19. Police searched the area for suspects, but came up empty.

"They are pretty big and heavy. It's at least a two-man job," Mansfield said.

He said he is careful not to put any signs up without getting permission from the property owner.

With reporting by Matthew McGevna.