John Shepherd owns the lot at the southwest corner of the Rte 250 Bypass and McIntire Road (opposite the Rescue Squad). Earllier this week, to express a political position, he erected a four by eight foot 'Al Weed Democrat for Congress' sign on the property. It is a highly visible location.

The sign was there this morning. This afternoon it was not. John Shepherd was very angry about the loss, but unsure of where to direct the anger. It might, after all, have been taken by kids who find large signs that advertise 'WEED' to be inherently amusing.

He reported the taking of the sign to the Charlottesville police. They took the report , but he says he was told that they really did not want to get involved with 'the yard sign thing.' We are trying to learn more about CPD policy in this area. We are also checking to learn if statistics are kept of reported thefts or other vandalism to these advertisements -- where is it being done, and if there's any political leaning to be detected.

It occured to Mr. Shepherd that perhaps VDOT had taken it, in the mistaken impression that it was within their right-of-way (it was not). We have spoken today by telephone with two people who would know if this was the case. Teresa Butler, Assistant Resident Engineer for VDOT in Charlottesville, Albemarle and Greene, tells us that she is sure no political signs have been picked up in the recent past. "And I would know," says Butler.

Jimmy Kesterson of VDOT handles permits for the region -- working with people who need to add or change things in VDOT's realm -- and he tells us that it is policy to not interfere with these signs, even if they are on VDOT-controlled territory, as long as they don't constitute what might be considered a hazard or a nuisance. He does want you to know that there is a law against the public putting any signs in the right of way -- you can be fined if you're caught -- but once again, enforcement is light to none. (Dave Sagarin, October 15, 2004)

Editor's Postscript: Trevor Cox of the campaign staff heard about the missing sign when someone saw the above on this website and reported it to them--"we heard about it around 2:00 {Saturday] and I'd say by 6:00 or so we got over there and replaced it. And this [theft of a large sign] has spurred us to take the installation a lot more seriously-- we're using heavy copper wire" [and taking other measures which we will not report].