Man caught on video removing political door hanger
Candidate Juanita Salas, running for Imperial Irrigation District Director, shakes her head in disbelief as she watches a video on her cell phone.
“It’s definitely unfortunate that the opposition is recurring to these negative campaign tactics,” Salas said.
She was watching the social media video on which a supporter of candidate Ed Snively is allegedly seen taking one of her door hangers off a door, and replacing it with one of Snively’s.
“I started receiving messages on social media. I started receiving phone calls with screen shots of the video. And like I said, I thought it was a prank,” Salas said.
But it was no prank. Salas said it was an attack on the work of her supporters.
“They take their time, especially in our weather when it’s hot. They go out and they walk precincts and they do – they take the campaign message to these voters. And they were very upset because they felt like their hard work is being undone,” Salas said.
Candidate Snively said he doesn’t condone the unauthorized removal of political signs.
“The video shows a member of our campaign team removing a single door hanger and replacing it with one of our hangers,” Snively said.
He explained that his supporters have been given proper instructions when distributing campaign material.
“Our workers know not to do that. In this particular case a very good man, and a good supporter, had a lapse of judgement,” Snively said.
He identified the supporter on the video as Matt Dessert, former IID Director. He left the IID to become the top official at the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.
“Mr. Dessert, who was involved, came to me last night and said, in the interest and respect for the team and for myself, he has taken himself off our campaign team,” Snively said.
He said he will not tolerate these acts but he takes responsibility.
“I am the candidate. The buck stops with me,” Snively said.
Salas is considering filing a formal complaint.
“Our team’s still talking about it. We’re considering it,” Salas said.
The video shows only one incident of signage interference. Salas said there may be more.
“We don’t know how many down the block or in other precincts have been taken,” Salas concluded.
