The election is still more than a month away but things have gotten destructive for candidates that are finding out how far people who don’t like their candidacy will go to stifle it.
According to Lathrop Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal, multiple candidates for city council – including himself – have had their election signs defaced, stolen and destroyed over the course of the last two weeks.
In addition to seeing two of his signs – which he says cost $60 each – stolen from places where he had permission to place them, other signs that were either torn down or broken were targeted again when they were replaced by his campaign.
“I’ve never seen it this bad before,” Dhaliwal said. “It’s not just me either – there are other candidates that are having problems with their signs as well, and it’s affecting people because they cost money.”
Mayoral challenger Steven Macias filed a police report with Lathrop Police Services after two of his large campaign signs went missing over the weekend. Images have also surfaced of other campaign signs being vandalized including signs for John Gish.
Macias has indicated the Dhaliwal campaign has claimed possession of video showing signs being vandalized promopting the Macias campaign is requesting that any videos showing criminal activity be released to the public and to the Lathrop Police to be reviewed by the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Department.
“Many of our signs were vandalized, stolen or moved from prominent locations throughout the city,” said Macias. “We strongly condemn any sign vandalism and are offering a $500 reward to catch these vandals.”
The Steven Macias for Mayor campaign is offering a one-time $500 reward for evidence leading to the arrest and conviction for vandalism of political signs in the City of Lathrop. To report sign vandalism and theft, individuals can contact the Lathrop Police at (209) 858-5551.
“These actions undermine the integrity of our elections and distract our community from the most important issues: making Lathrop more business-friendly, creating local jobs, and bringing down our high crime rate,” Macias said. “We are a diverse community with a bright future, and we cannot afford to get distracted by mudslinging and false accusations. I have full confidence in the law to deal with these problems.”
In at least once instance, Dhaliwal said his sign was covered up by someone who placed his opponent’s sign right in front of it to block out the view. He also said that he has made sure that all of his signs have the necessary permission to be placed which would rule out property owners from being the ones who would be taking them down. In another instance, he said, the sign was broken into three pieces, and another one was thrown into the street.
“We don’t know who is doing this and I don’t want to speculate but it is against the law – it is vandalism – and I didn’t think that things were going to get this bad,” Dhaliwal said. “I got elected to the council in 2006, and I’ve never seen it this widespread before.”
Dhaliwal will be seeking his third term as mayor in a contest against political newcomer Stephen Macias – who emerged on the political scene when he organized a group of residents who spoke against the approved Pilot/Flying J truck stop that will be build on Roth Road near I-5. Macias said that he had no dealings with another upstart group that opposed the project –  a group that circulated a petition to attempt to get the council to overturn it’s decision or force the matter to a ballot to allow residents to decide.
Macias on Tuesday chided Dhaliwal for electing not to sign  a voluntary California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Code of Fair Campaign Practices, which outlines guidelines for fair play and encourages candidates to discuss the issues. According to the candidate list provided by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters, Macias filed his voluntary statement on Aug. 12.
Macias pointed out Dhaliwal’s campaign in the 2014 general election was slapped with a $21,000 fine by the FPPC for depositing campaign contributions into his personal account, failing to report donations he received, and not disclosing his receipt of personal loans totaling $17,500.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.