Bob Smither calls out Shelley on sign theft and vandalism

November 1, 2006

Dear Shelley,

I am writing you concerning recent evidence my campaign received regarding the destruction and vandalism of my signs by a prominent supporter of your candidacy. The sign in question is a 4x8 located on Highway 90 in Fort Bend County.

Sometime on Monday evening, earlier this week, a vandal removed this sign, discarded it on the ground nearby, and placed a billboard reading “Want More Illegals? Vote Democrat” in its place. The vandals attached this sign to t-posts that were purchased by our campaign and placed by one of our volunteer sign crews.

Earlier this morning a reporter for FortBendNow.com connected this sign conclusively to Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers. Meyers purchased these sign and appears to be directly responsible for their distribution in Fort Bend County, including the place where the vandalism of my campaign’s sign occurred.

Meyers, as you know, is a prominent supporter of your candidacy. He endorsed you publicly, appears on your literature, and has hosted fundraisers on your behalf.

This incident of vandalism is not isolated. Over the last week, vandals have stolen, defaced, or destroyed over a dozen of my campaign’s signs. The highest concentration of vandalism is along the US-90 and Texas 6 corridors in Fort Bend County. Unfortunately, Commissioner Meyers’ behavior in the aforementioned incident leads me to believe that this is no coincidence.

In light of this evidence, I am asking you to instruct your campaign and its supporters to cease and desist in the vandalism of my signs. I strongly believe that campaigns should be run fairly and honestly, allowing all candidates a chance to offer their messages to the voters. It is for this reason I do not condone sign theft, and I hope that you will reach the same conclusion.

Sincerely,

Bob Smither

Libertarian Nominee, CD-22