Spearman disappointed with campaign attack
By Kristine Jean SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPERS ssnews@sunnysouthnews.com on April 8, 2025.
Sunny South News photo by Kristine Jean -
Lethbridge Liberal candidate Chris Spearman was in Coaldale early Sunday afternoon replacing several signs that were stolen and vandalized over the weekend.Coaldale residents woke up Sunday morning to several vandalized election signs in town, an act that has left Lethbridge Liberal candidate Chris Spearman disappointed.
“There were things (on the signs) that people shouldn’t see when they’re driving their families to church on Sunday,” said Spearman. “We’ve pulled out all the offensive ones – with the F-word on them and the offensive symbols. It’s disappointing to see it happen.”
The Liberal candidate was in Coaldale early Sunday afternoon replacing several election signs along Highway 3, including some that had gone missing.
“We know at least four signs have been stolen, in addition to at least five defaced,” he said noting it appears that only his signs were targeted in the incident sometime in the early morning hours on Sunday.
“In a democracy I think people should be able to advertise our views, we should have the same rights to publicity as anybody else,” he added.
Spearman’s campaign received a tip and photos of the vandalism from a supporter Sunday morning before 8 a.m. The former Lethbridge mayor confirmed that his campaign has notified the RCMP about the vandalism and theft incidents.
While out door-knocking across the riding recently, Spearman said he’s heard some troubling feedback from supporters.
“I did notice a lot of intimidation (while) knocking on doors. People are saying’I’m supporting you but I’m hesitant to put a sign on my lawn.’
“In a real democracy, no one should be afraid. We should be able to discuss our differences at public forums and there’s other ways we can talk about politics and talk about the issues …. I understand people are frustrated, there are issues to be resolved in this country but there’s ways to do that constructively,” he added.
Local Spearman supporter Margaret Plumtree, who has a sign on her property, said people should have the freedom to express their political support without fear of retaliation.
“I feel in Alberta, democracy has left our province,” said Plumtree. “There’s a lot of anger, there’s a lot of angst and if you don’t vote the way that we (Albertans) vote, (they) don’t want to hear from you. So I do believe that the vandalism is a way to put down democracy.
“We all have a right – it doesn’t matter who you’re voting for, you have a right to say who you want to vote for,” she added, noting she wasn’t surprised to hear about the vandalism because “the last couple of years have been tough” for Liberal supporters in Alberta.
Spearman said that Coaldale is the only known location in the Lethbridge riding that has seen any vandalism or theft.
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Requirements for being a political sign vandalizer:
Above average intelligence, being one of the most upper crust members of society, being a person of strong christian faith, having a high level of education, having an open mind, respecting democracy, not being afraid to be charged with mischief-a criminal offence…so impressive!
i am not sure this reads as you mean to present it. for instance, having an open mind would spur one to vandalise a sign?
I agree with you on this Mr. Spearman. I am not voting for you, but this is just another reflection on how society has lost respect for one another.
This is not just in this area, but across Canada! We are not unique! One of the people I noticed destroying signs on the Westside had mental health issues, but someone must have planted the thought in her head to destroy one of the candidates signs, not just once, but several times. I think it was not just party vs party, but several other factors in several areas that we saw the destruction of signs of all parties in the recent by-election.
We had our exchanges on differing matters Chris when you were Mayor, and I completely disagreed with you on the SCS, but you always took the time to respond to my concerns, whether by text, email or once by phone and I respect that.
I wish you well in your uphill battle in this election and still support you in the Grassy Mountain coal mine fight!
I wouldn’t take the damaged signs personally, but it is good you brought the issue up.
well shared!
“Seconded”
My support for Mr. Spearman has not changed!!!! it is disappointing to witness such senseless actions, this riding has been represented by a Conservative and as we look at what accomplishments have been done, I don’t see any; it is time to have a voice in government; Mr. Spearman is correct in choosing the party that will form the next Government.
We have a Spearman sign on our lawn and each nite before we go to bed and each morning I check to see it’s still in place. So far so good. Our security camera has a good view should any vandalism occur.