Officials in the the town of Hanson, Massachusetts are threatening to fine one of their residents $100 per day over a Donald Trump sign.
According to a statement from the town administrator released last Saturday, the town is ordering the man to stop displaying the “Trump 2024” logo being projected onto a water tower because it belongs to the town.
Trump 2024 logo being displayed on Hanson water tower https://t.co/AsRMmTqbQn
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) October 12, 2024
According to local affiliate Boston 25 News, the resident responsible for the Trump sign is using a projector on top of a storage container in his backyard
According to the New York Post, Hanson town officials attempted to block out the political message with a floodlight, but the message remained visible last Friday evening.
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
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.
Green also 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.
Residents of Hanson have mixed feelings over the sign, and the town’s reaction to taking it down.
“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 Boston 25 News 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.
“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.
As for the potential fine?
A GiveSendGo fundraiser supporting the Trump sign projection surpassed $2,000 Monday afternoon.