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City of Hanson fines resident who projects Trump 2024 sign on water tower – Boston News, Weather, Sports

HANSON, MASS. (WHDH) – A Hanson resident projected a “Trump 2024” sign onto a city water tower, which officials have denounced as a violation of city bylaws.

City officials learned Friday that a resident was projecting the political sign from her property onto the water tower at 228 High St., according to City Manager Lisa Green.

Officials are currently working on a cease-and-desist order for the resident because such statements are not allowed on city property, she said.

“This leads the public to believe that this activity is being sanctioned or condoned by the city,” Green said in a statement. “As a government entity, the City of Hanson does not endorse candidates for office of any political party, nor does the City permit the display of political signs on municipal property.”

Highway Department employees shined spotlights on the water tower to soften the projection, the statement said.

The lights keep Hanson resident Patrick Croghan awake at night as he lives directly across the street from the water tower.

“The generators kept us awake at night. They were really loud and that was a bigger problem in my eyes,” Croghan said.

However, he said he thought the sign itself was humorous.

“I thought it was brilliant and I laughed and had fun with it, but I can 100 percent understand why the city doesn't want it up there just because it's a political thing,” Croghan said.

Officials said the resident will be fined $100 per day until the projection is stopped.

“This individual’s actions have the potential to cost significant taxpayer dollars, including legal fees, overtime to pay highway department employees who turn the headlights on and off every day, and the possibility that more powerful lighting equipment will need to be rented or purchased.” Green said. “The $100 per day fine is unlikely to cover these costs.”

Local resident Lisa Carson said she understands the city needs to ensure residents abide by city bylaws, but she is committed to free speech.

“The city needs to make sure we follow state law and I believe someone has the right to put a Trump sign anywhere or a Walz/Harris sign (sic),” Carson said.

On Monday, no one answered the door at the house where the projection came from.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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