Akkam’s Razor

This is so awesome – and so typical of Delaware County.  It's like allegations of corruption with Philadelphia and Machine Democrats, but with Republicans.  One party rule strikes again.

Via I Live in Delaware County:

Stolen Campaign Lawnsigns
10-11-06
Upper Darby Township
Casey R. Roncaglione
Democratic Candidate 164th District

After a high speed chase through the streets of Upper Darby, going down one way streets and almost hitting pedestrians, a city License and Inspection official was stopped by over 10 Upper Darby Police. The Township official was attempting to avoid being caught by one of my campaign workers who spotted the official stealing my campaign lawn signs. In his trunk were found my political lawn signs, illegally taken from legal Township locations. The signs were taken from private property, whose owners had given permission to me to post the signs. Lawnsigns were also stolen from Roncaglione's home as well as his neighbors and supporters.

The candidate, Casey R. Roncaglione, Democratic candidate in Upper Darby Township, called the actions typical dirty tricks. "I doubt my opponent Mario Civera (R-164) had anything to do with it, but I don't know that for sure," said Roncaglione.

"It's not the end of the world but it is pretty cheap politics, Mr. Civera has over $190,000 in campaign funds, I have a little over $4,000. He could buy 50,000 signs and not even feel it, I have to watch every penny, so a sign is an important expense to me."

Upper Darby Police are filing a report and superintendent Chitwood promised there would be an investigation possibly leading to charges. Upper Darby Township, a Republican stronghold has never been too acceptable of competition. Mr. Roncaglione is different though, actually friendly and respective of Mr. Civera.

"Roncaglione spoke to Mr. Civera earlier on the day of the incident to complain that his signs were being taken down. Mr. Civera told Mr. Roncaglione that he doesn't do that and the two parted amicably. Soon after the episode occurred.

Mr. Roncaglione who has pledged a clean campaign hopes this puts an end to the dirty tricks and that the voters get an honest and fair chance to learn the issues to vote for whom they feel can best represent them.

A phone call to the UPPD (Upper Darby Police Department) proved fruitless – a message was left at the Detectives' desk to confirm the facts.  A further phone call to Phil Herron, Editor at the Delaware County Times, corraborated that there were inquiries to the paper from Casey (Roncaglione) about the incident, and that UPPD was "looking into it".  Any reporting would be based on the finding from UPPD.  When asked as to the newsworthiness of charges NOT being filed if the chase did in fact occur was deferred, given that there are numerous reports of stolen campaign signs each election cycle.  I spoke with a secretary for the Director for Licenses and Inspections for Delaware County, Jeffrey N. Gentile, who advised me to contact him via email. (Contact information for UPPD, the DelcoTimes, and UD L&I are in the above links).

No related posts.