So far, about half of my campaign signs have been stolen, and other candidates have reported having the same thing happen to them. However, what I was told yesterday was even worse.
I went into Ava's market and as told by the owner, Juanm that my signs, along with those of Lisa Matichak were taken down because a customer complained! Make no mistake, I have no problem with Juan making a decision about what, if any signs he wishes to display or not display in his store. My problem is with the person that seemingly thinks that free speech stops with them, and that no one else is entitled to express a point of view, or simply to participate in our Democratic process by displaying candidate signs. I find these tactics of intimidation to be reprehensible and I hope that the Voice will be as vigorous in chasing this story down as they did for the phone survey that was far less egregious than this action.
Jim Neal
Candidate, Mountain View City Council
