Gilmanton

ACLU asks town’s letters be pulled

A New Hampshire town building inspector has asked property owners to take down signs suggesting selectmen don’t support the police, saying the messages violate an ordinance against political signs.

The New Hampshire chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said the request violates the First Amendment and asked the town Monday to retract it.

The signs say, “We support Gilmanton Police Even if the Selectmen Don’t.”

The ACLU said property owners – including the police chief’s own mother – received letters in advance of the March 13 elections for selectmen and other offices. The letters say the sign owners will receive a fine of $275 a day if the signs are not removed.

Building Inspector Bill Tobin said the signs aren’t in compliance with an ordinance that allows only signs advertising a business or industry.

Associated Press