By KARYL ANN ARMBRUSTEROn Tuesday a political savvy teacher passed by Los Alamos High School at 4:30 p.m. and saw some Republicans waving candidate signs on the sidewalk by the school property. But, in addition, there were numerous large and small candidate signs stuck into the ground, which blocked visual access to Diamond Drive from Canyon Road. She was concerned and called me.
This was the third time she had seen this action on the high school property with the Republicans. Los Alamos County has strict ordinances that candidates must follow with signage. In fact, they sign an agreement before they are allowed to have any signs displayed. Although it is permissible to stand on the public sidewalk and wave signs, political signs are never allowed in the ground on school property, and that includes UNM-LA. As a teacher she felt very strongly about this continual flagrant violation of the rules .
I drove over with a friend to see what was actually occurring. Indeed it was just as she described. We parked our car across the street and took a picture to document the violation. I tried to nicely inform the demonstrators that it was against the County code to put signs on the school’s property. Further, I highly suggested they remove the signs immediately but acknowledged it was fine to wave the signs on the sidewalk. The man who was waving some signs looked at me and directly cursed at me. I was shocked at his words to me. It was unprovoked and a bad reflection on the Republican Party whom I am sure knew nothing about this illegal act.
What is most disturbing is that the party cited for this incident was Los Alamos High School because they “allowed” political signs on their property! I was shocked when the County told me this Wednesday morning. I told the County that it was nearly impossible for the High School to see what was happening at this far end of their property, and it did not seem fair that they were the ones being punished. Why wouldn’t they punish the law-breakers whose picture we have.
Oddly, the perpetrators get off free and LAPS “pays the price.” According to the County, continued rule violations could mean the high school would have to appear in court and could be fined. Is this really what the Republicans want to do … put the schools in jeopardy of having to pay a fine?
Clearly these people know they are in violation of County code. I have to question why they continue to place their candidates in the position of defending their actions. Apparently these particular people do not care about law and order or who they hurt. That is sad and demonstrates behavior unbecoming to their Party. I hope the high school, which has now posted signs saying “no political signs” is not further humiliated.
