HANSON, Mass. — Hanson’s ongoing dispute involving political images being displayed on the town’s water tower took a turn on Wednesday night.
Following Donald Trump’s presidential election win, an image of a red “Punisher” skull with what appears to be a Trump hairstyle could be seen on the side of the tower.
“Earlier today, the Town of Hanson discontinued measures put in place to block a political image being projected onto a Town-owned water tower,” Town Administrator Lisa Green said. “Regrettably, the party involved in the image projection resumed projecting today and as a result we have had to yet again take measures to block the projected image.”
Town officials previously stated the ongoing projections resulted in “undue financial burden” and a “number of inappropriate and vulgar phone calls and emails” to town offices.
In an effort to deter the homeowner, Hanson brought in bright lights to flood out the message.
Daily fines of $100 and a “cease and desist” letter were also previously issued.
“We would like to reiterate that the Town of Hanson does not endorse any political candidate, party or platform in any election, and that Town bylaws prohibit the display of political symbols or signage on government property,” Green said. “The Town is duty-bound to enforce those bylaws and is committed to taking whatever action is necessary to prevent future violations.”
It’s unclear if those fines will continue as a result of Wednesday night’s projection.
Police say displaying the images is not a crime because it isn’t causing property damage and it’s not trespassing because it’s being projected from private property.
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