CAMPAIGN SIGN THEFTS HIT SCHOOL BOARD RACE

Candidate Malespina's front yard lost a sign

As the school board race heats up, and more and more campaign signs pop up in Maplewood and South Orange, each of the campaigns is reporting thefts of those signs.

No major stealing sprees are occurring, but members of the three slates running are each reporting missing signs.

"Team SOMA signs are being stolen from various locations, including my front yard," said Elissa Malespina, who is running with Marian Raab and Shannel Roberts. "We don't know who's taking them or why."

One of Malespina's supporters, South Orange resident Michelle Hollow, said she had missing signs and has reported it to the South Orange Police.

"I have passed by other lawn signs supporting their opponents and have thought, hmmm, maybe I should take those down," Hollow said via email. "I would NOT do that because it is a crime. Everyone has a right to their vote; no one has the right to steal."

But a check with the other candidates found similar stories of theft.

Madhu Pai, an incumbent running with fellow board member Wayne Eastman and challenger Peggy Freedson, said she has also heard of stolen signs among her supporters, adding via email, "I do have confirmation of stolen signs. In Montrose, how odd."

Then there is Chris Sabin and AnnemarIe Maini who are running together. One of their campaign leaders, Stephanie Scott, also revealed that their supporters had lost signs to theft. 

"This has happened in the past and the number of pilfered signs is relatively low compared to the total that supporters have requested," she told Maplewoodian.com. "The signs are replaced and the team just keeps it moving. There's a lot for volunteers to do -- and I'm sure for the local police as well -- so this seem relatively trivial to report. After all, missing lawn signs could be as simple as kids playing a prank."

Candidate Dorcas Lind, who is running alone, has posted fewer signs and said she has no reports of theft as of yet.