Mattera Campaign Files Complaint Related to Brazen Sign Theft

Mattera Campaign Files Complaint Related to Brazen Sign Theft

St. James, NY – The campaign for Mario Mattera for Legislature has filed a complaint with the Suffolk County Police Department related to a brazen political sign theft from a business property on 25A over the weekend.  A passerby witnessed a woman pull her car over, exit the car, and begin to remove signs promoting the campaigns of Mario Mattera and Lynne Nowick and place them in the car trunk.  When confronted, the woman stated that she was stealing ‘the signs because Mattera stole my Paul Hennings signs.”  The witness demanded she put the signs back, but she refused.  The witness told the woman that he noted her license plate number and would be contacting the police.  

A statement from the Mattera campaign stated, “These signs were placed by Mr. Mattera on the property of a local business with the express permission of the owner of the property. Mr. Mattera personally requested the placement, and put the signs in place.  Over the weekend, one third of the signs the campaign placed on private property and businesses were stolen.  A person driving along 25A Sunday morning witnessed a woman stealing signs belonging to Mr. Mattera and Lynne Nowick, who is involved in a primary for Smithtown Town Council.   The witness asked her to return the signs to their rightful owner, and she refused.  The witness told her he had her license plate number and was going to report the theft to the police.  The witness contacted Mr. Mattera stating that the signs were not returned, and when Mr. Mattera drove by shortly thereafter he confirmed the signs he had placed were missing.  The witness went to the 4^th Precinct and provided the information to the desk officer regarding the incident. We await the outcome of the investigation and deplore the childish and immature theft of any campaign signs related to any candidate.  These signs are costly and their removal and destruction indicates a level of immaturity for the culprits.”  The Suffolk County Police is currently investigating the theft.

Mr. Mattera stated, “During the past week, I personally placed signs for my campaign and Lynne Nowick’s on business and residential properties with the authorization from the owners.  I find it reprehensible that people would steal these signs.  I have instructed every member of my campaign that we will not engage in stealing my opponents’ signs, as we expect the same courtesy from their campaigns.  I would prefer we talk about the issues with the voters and concentrate on getting our message out about creating jobs and opportunity and working to keep our families safe.  That is what is most important to me and my campaign.  I will let the Suffolk County Police Department investigate the witnessed theft of my signs and wait for the outcome of their work. “