Hanson Cracks Down on Political Projection on Water Tower
"Trump 2024" has been projected onto the Water Tower on High Street the last few evenings
HANSON, MA - The Town of Hanson is taking a stand against a resident who projected a “Trump 2024” sign onto a municipal water tower. Town Administrator Lisa Green says this projection misleads people into thinking the town approves of or supports the message.
The incident, which started Thursday, goes against town rules that don't allow political signs on town property. Hanson doesn't back any candidates or political parties.
A statement released Saturday read, "The Town of Hanson respects the free speech rights of all residents, and the right of all residents to express their political views, but not on Town property or in a manner that makes it appear that the Town of Hanson is endorsing any political candidate."
The town is preparing to order the resident to stop and plans to fine them $100 per day until they do. To counter the projection, the Highway Department has set up a spotlight on the water tower. Officials are also looking into other ways to address the issue.
Green warns that the resident's actions could end up costing taxpayers. Costs include lawyer fees, overtime for Highway Department workers, and possibly renting equipment. The daily fine probably won't cover these costs.
Hanson's sign rules, updated in November 2020, are pretty strict about different types of signs, including political ones. While it's okay to put political signs on private property with the owner's permission, they're not allowed on town property.
The town hasn't named the resident.