Local News

South Shore town to fine resident after Trump logo projected on water tower

"This misleads the public into believing that this activity is sanctioned by or condoned by the Town," said Hanson Town Administrator Lisa Green.

October 14, 2024

1 minute to read

A South Shore town will issue a cease and desist to a resident projecting a “Trump 2024” logo on the local water tower, which could cost a “significant amount of taxpayer dollars,” the town’s administrator said.

Hanson Town Administrator Lisa Green didn’t identify the content of the political message, but said the projection violates the town’s Sign Regulations, which bar political messages on municipal property.

“This misleads the public into believing that this activity is sanctioned by or condoned by the Town,” Green said in a statement. “As a governmental entity, the Town of Hanson does not endorse candidates for any office from any political party, nor does the Town allow political signs to be displayed on municipal property.”

The town learned Friday of the water tower projection on High Street and will fine the resident the maximum of $100 per day the image is projected, Green said. Hanson is currently aiming a spotlight at the tower to “dim the projection.”

However, that fine most likely won’t cover fees incurred by the town. Green said there will be fees to pay the Highway Department workers to turn on and off the spotlight, for attorneys, and to potentially acquire stronger lighting equipment.

“The Town of Hanson respects the free speech rights of all residents, and the right of all residents to express their political views, but not on Town property or in a manner that makes it appear that the Town of Hanson is endorsing any political candidate,” Green said.

While Green didn’t mention former President Donald Trump or the logo, multiple outlets reported on the campaign logo projection. WCVB reported that the projection could be seen coming from a nearby backyard on Friday night despite the town’s spotlight on the water tower.