It has been brought to my attention that my signs have very recently been removed from parts of the Woodinville area, including signs that were on private property. Interestingly, I have been informed that my opponent’s signs remain untouched.

Tampering with or stealing campaigns signs is a violation of the law. The sentence for stealing or vandalizing campaign signs is up to 90 days in jail, or a fine of up to thousand dollars, or both imprisonment and a fine for each violation.

RCW 29A.84.040 states that: “a person who removes or defaces lawfully placed political advertising including yard signs or billboards without authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021. The defacement or removal of each item constitutes a separate violation.”

I realize that my opponent has very deep pockets, and that I am running a simple, honest, grassroots campaign. He can and will outspend me on every turn, however, those who are stooping to theft in support of my opponent should be ashamed of themselves. This reflects poorly not only on the perpetrators, but on the candidate they support.

Berta Phillips, Bothell