GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A Greensboro City Council candidate says signs vandalized across several neighborhoods have disrupted his campaign and raised concerns about growing political hostility in the community.
Richard Beard, who is running for an at-large seat on the Greensboro City Council, said several of his campaign signs were recently found damaged or defaced with paint. One sign in particular was smeared with graffiti reading “racist,” which Beard said left him “disturbed and disappointed.”
“A friend of mine was going down Spring Garden and picked one up,” Beard explained. “I actually thought it was a joke, and he said, ‘No, it’s serious.”
Beard said the vandalized signs have been found across multiple areas of Greensboro, including Lindley Park, Market Street, and Battleground Avenue. He added that many of the damaged signs were taken from private properties where homeowners had permitted him to place them.
“They’re being taken out and defaced, then put back out in public,” Beard said. “We’re pulling them up and replacing them, but I don’t know where else they’re going to pop up.”
Greensboro City Council Candidate Says Signs Vandalized
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that damaging campaign signs is a criminal offense. Public Information Officer Bria Evans reminded residents that while freedom of expression is protected, vandalizing political materials violates state law and could lead to fines or even jail time.
“While everyone has the right to express their views, damaging campaign signs is a crime,” Evans said.
Beard said he hopes the public understands that such acts harm the entire community. “I was really sad for Greensboro because this is a nonpartisan race, and I’m unaffiliated,” he said. “We’re very polarized — not just across the country and state but right here in this community.”
A Greensboro Police Department spokesperson confirmed that the issue has affected multiple candidates and that an active investigation is underway.
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Source: myfox8
Written by: Daniel Olafamoye, Greensboro NC News.
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