One of James Gardner's Student Confederation presidential campaign signs was stolen Saturday, leaving only singed ropes on the trees outside of Ward, according to Gardner.
"I think it's just kind of disappointing because we put a lot of time and money into it," said Gardner, a junior in the School of Public Affairs. "Because it was taken ... it just makes it look ... I don't know if you can say 'politically motivated' in a student government election, but that's what it looks like."
Erie Meyer, Gardner's campaign manager and a junior in the School of Communication, discovered that the sign was missing around 8 p.m. The last time she saw it was around 5 p.m. that day.
She reported the incident to Public Safety, saying she thought the strings that held the sign were cut. Later she inspected the scene again and called Public Safety to report the strings were actually burned.
Public Safety will investigate the incident and issue a report on Monday or Tuesday, Meyer said.
This is the third time vandals have attacked the sign. It was pulled down Wednesday and Thursday, Meyer said. Public Safety officers identified the perpetrator Wednesday night when the student tried to flee the scene but tripped. The student's identity has not been released.
The sign said "Vote Jimbo" on one side and "James for SC President" on the other. It was made of nylon with metal grommets and cost about $60, according to Gardner. The Board of Elections allows each campaign to spend a maximum of $250 on materials.
Gardner said he didn't know who could have done it, and neither did other presidential candidates. All agreed the incident was a shame.
"It's too bad because it costs a fortune to make those banners," said Kyle Taylor, a junior in the Kogod School of Business who is also running for president. "It's ridiculous."
Nick Johnson, another presidential candidate, said he's been on good terms with Gardner's campaign and was disappointed that someone would try to harm it.
"Kyle, James and I have been hanging out ... we've been campaigning as a trio, we have a good time. Our campaigns love each other," said Johnson, a junior in SPA. "I wish people would have enough respect to keep everyone's banners up."
Joe Gallina, a junior in SPA, said he had just heard about the incident at a General Assembly meeting Sunday afternoon.
"It's horrible when anything happens to campaign material," he said.
In campaigns last spring, signs advertising current SC president Polson Kanneth and vice president Jason Trombley were burned.
The cost of that banner was not charged to Kanneth's campaign. Hye-Jin Lee, chair of the Board of Elections, said the board has not determined whether the cost will be charged towards Gardner's campaign.
"Chances are it's going to be the same decision as last year," Lee said.
Students can vote for student government leaders until 5 p.m. today in Mary Graydon 120. Results of the elections will be announced in the Tavern at 9 p.m. Monday. For coverage, see www.TheEagleOnline.com.
