The projection also violates the city's signage regulations, Green said. Officers will issue a cease and desist order to the person who projected the sign, whose identity has not been revealed.

Under the city's sign regulations, residents are not required to obtain a permit to display a political sign in Hanson. Posting signs is permitted in all zoning districts on private property with permission from the property owner, but political signs are not permitted on municipal property.

“Highway Department personnel shined a spotlight on the water tower to soften the projection,” Green said. “Further measures are currently being examined.

“The city intends to impose a maximum fine of $100 per day until the activity is stopped,” Green said.

Still, the fines won't necessarily cover the costs the city could incur in dealing with the issue, which could include legal fees and overtime to pay highway department employees to turn the spotlight on and off every day, he said Green.

“The City of Hanson respects the free speech rights of all residents and the right of all residents to express their political views, but not on City property or in a manner that creates the appearance that the City of Hanson supports a political candidate. “,” said Green.

Adam Sennott can be reached at [email protected].