A pair of candidates running for seats on London City Council independently contacted CTV News about threatening tactics used to destroy some of their campaign signs. Ward 13 candidate Andrew Crook kept some of his signs that were slashed to pieces using a razor blade or knife. “Actually bringing a weapon to damage them, and especially when it’s a long chain of signs, not just one sign, but multiple signs in a row, it’s clearly somebody who’s targeting,” Crook said. He had a total of 15 signs damaged last weekend, including several with a blade. Although Crook’s signs humorously read “A name that demands honesty”, he says the impact to his campaign is no laughing matter. “Fifty bucks a sign is typically what it runs, so it adds up pretty quickly,” he explained. “And that’s not to mention the stress and having to go out and (replace) it.” Ward 12 candidate Ribal Zebian also had some of his signs slashed since the nomination period closed. “One small one was cut up, and two large signs were cut up. We have a total of 13 lost signs,” he said. He believes the use of a blade goes beyond vandalism, and was intended to be a threat. “It’s a form of intimidation,” he said. “The individuals who are doing this are trying to intimidate my campaign, trying to make us get (off) the ballot.” Undeterred, both candidates remain committed to campaigning for a seat on council. “It hurts. It hurts because these are things that in a democratic country, you would assume these things wouldn’t be happening,” Zebian added. “This is our democracy, and ultimately, I think it’s important that we respect the people putting their names out there,” Crook said. “You don’t have to agree with me, you don’t have to support me, but don’t devastate (my) signs.” According to Deputy City Clerk Sarah Corman, “The City of London addresses concerns and complaints related to election sign placement, size, timing, and other requirements under the Election Sign By-law. Any concerns about theft or destruction of election signs should be forwarded to the London Police Service, as vandalism or mischief falls under the Criminal Code.” Election Day is Oct. 26.
