Summerville Police investigating vandalism to referendum campaign signs

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Who has been vandalizing campaign signs in Summerville? That’s something the Summerville Police Department is working to find out.

It comes as early voting for the Dorchester District 2 School Referendum begins at the Marcia O’Brien Conference Center.

“I like to refer to it as a relief package for our district,” said Frank Staropoli, who serves on the committee for the DD2 referendum. “It’s going to help us build two new elementary schools and really get some of the heavy population out of these classrooms so we can condense the class sizes, and it’s going to bring some security measures into the schools.”

Staropoli is the father of two students in Dorchester District 2 schools.

It was recently discovered that someone has gone around and vandalized several of the referendum supporters’ campaign signs.

“I don’t have a lot of details. You know, law enforcement is behind it, so I don’t really want to interfere because they’ve got their work they have to do,” he said, adding “We had some vandalism and it’s a sad show of you know, some folks in the community.”

The Summerville Police Department is investigating the acts to find out who is responsible. Charges could be filed. The signs generally have spray paint on them encouraging people to vote no to taxes going up.

If passed, the $200 million referendum would not result in higher property tax millage rates than what is currently being paid; however, if it does not pass, rates currently being paid would drop some in the future.

Dorchester District 2 Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins said they did not need to raise tax rates because they were able to pay off some district debt and refinance others at lower rates in recent years.

“I view it as personal property and unfortunately this individual decided they were just going to damage our signs because it didn’t agree or align with what they believe in, and it’s unfortunate but law enforcement is handling it and they’re going to do what’s necessary and we support that,” said Staropoli.

Early voting will continue on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until May 10. The actual election day for the referendum will be held on May 14.