Public deserves whole story in sign stealing incident

To the editor:
    On Oct. 13, the Bangor Daily News published an article about signs for state representative candidate Troy Haines stolen in central Aroostook. In “not identifying the 18-year-old culprit because charges were not filed,” the BDN article makes the incident seem not more serious than a prank by a youngster. And the Sheriff’s Department statement “that law enforcement agencies receive complaints of this nature every year” suggests it is just in the nature of politics and not a serious issue of justice.
    Although I do not live in his district, I strongly support Haines’ candidacy based on knowledge of his tireless work for the health and well being of Maine’s working people. The generosity of his decision not to press charges against the 18-year-old perpetrator enhances my respect for him. However, Haines is not the only victim of this incident, nor are the effects of it only personal to him. This is not only a crime against some property that is not worth much monetarily. As an infringement on the First Amendment rights of free expression, it is also a crime against the community.
    I am one of the community members who had a Haines’ sign stolen from my property as well as another sign I posted supporting Libby Mitchell. I am very disappointed that there is not more information in the BDN article, nor in other local news media, about the thief’s close connection to Haines’ opponent. Voters need such knowledge to cast informed votes.
    I do not necessarily hold a whole family responsible for the wrong doing of one member, and if there are mitigating circumstances in this instance demonstrating that the candidates in this family are not in any way responsible, voters need to know that, too. We expect and deserve our public media to investigate, provide such needed information, and uphold constitutional freedoms.
Alice Bolstridge, PhD
Presque Isle