Massachusetts town orders resident to stop projecting Trump sign on water tower or face consequences – NBC Boston

The city of Hanson, Massachusetts, has ordered a resident to stop displaying a political sign on the city's municipal water tower or face fines, city officials said in a statement.

The projected image, displayed on the High Street tower, caused confusion among the public, with some residents mistakenly believing the city was supporting the message.

Hanson City Manager Lisa Green said in a written statement Saturday that as a government entity, the city does not support political candidates and does not allow political signs on municipal property.

“This leads the public to believe that this activity is being sanctioned or condoned by the city,” Green said in a written statement.

Officials are preparing a cease-and-desist order for the resident who violated local sign regulations, and the city intends to fine them $100 a day until they stop.

Meanwhile, the highway department installed a spotlight to reduce the visibility of the projection. The city is considering additional measures to completely prevent unauthorized exhibitions.

NBC10 Boston reached out to the man who has the projector on his property Sunday night, but he declined to comment.

Green said the incident could result in significant costs to taxpayers, including legal fees and overtime at the highway department. The daily fine may not offset those costs, she said.

Paul Riley lives near the tower and says it bothered him a little when the city began using its resources to blur the image.

“You shouldn’t tie up police and other resources for something like this,” Riley said.

“They should just let him give up his registration and not spend the money on the generator to fuel the generator,” said resident Kevin Welch.

While residents have the right to display messages on their own property, political displays on public property or in a manner that might give the impression of support from the city are prohibited, Green said.