A Massachusetts town is threatening to impose a $100-per-day fine on a resident who is projecting a Trump campaign sign on a local water tower, according to a statement from the town administrator released Oct. 12.
The town of Hanson in Plymouth County is ordering the man to stop displaying the “Trump 2024” logo on the water tower because it belongs to the town, Boston 25 News reported.
The local resident responsible for the illuminating Trump sign is using a projector on top of a storage container in his backyard, Boston 25 News reported. Town officials attempted to block out the political message with a floodlight, but the message remained visible Friday evening, according to the New York Post.
Lisa Green, the town administrator of Hanson, said in a statement that the town does not endorse political candidates and is working on a cease-and-desist order.
Trump 2024 logo being displayed on Hanson water tower https://t.co/AsRMmTqbQn
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) October 12, 2024
“This individual’s actions have the potential to cost a significant amount of taxpayer dollars, including attorney fees, overtime to pay Highway Department workers to turn the spotlight on and off each day, and the potential for having to rent or purchase stronger lighting equipment. The $100 per day fine will likely not cover these expenses,” Green said.
I’m here in Hanson where the Town has just turned on the generators and four giant spot lights to prevent you from seeing the Trump 2024 logo on the Hanson water tower. #mapoli #Trump #hansonwatertower pic.twitter.com/LhOeWr3xhX
— JohnFGately (@johnfgately) October 13, 2024
Green told residents in her statement that efforts by the town to eliminate the Trump sign will continue and likely come at the taxpayer’s expense.
Some Hanson residents told Boston 25 News that they were amused by the man’s political messaging. (RELATED: REPORT: Police Catch, Charge Man For Throwing Offensive Flyers Into Trump Supporters’ Yards)
“Love it. I thought it was great,” Hanson resident David Welch said.
“I think it’s certainly creative if that’s who he’s supporting,” Hanson resident Dorran Prescott said.
Virginia Costley, another Hanson resident, told the outlet she “[does not] see any harm in free speech, free advertising.”
Others said they were “disgusted” by the pro-Trump projection.
“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,” Green said in the statement.
Keep it lit, help the Hanson Water Tower Trump Sign. Town is imposing $100 fine per night. I just paid for one night. Chip in if you can. #Trump #mapoli #HansonWaterTower https://t.co/r4O8VTGPjB pic.twitter.com/mQ4UOUiHAS
— JohnFGately (@johnfgately) October 13, 2024
A GiveSendGo fundraiser supporting the Trump sign projection surpassed $2,000 Monday afternoon.
