Several stop signs around Williams Lake have been vandalized as of Saturday morning. Angie Mindus photo

Several stop signs around Williams Lake have been vandalized as of Saturday morning. Angie Mindus photo

Mayoral candidates denounce politically motivated graffiti

Stop signs around lakecity being used as political props, the city is investigating.

City staff will be investigating after a number of stop signs throughout the city were made into a politic statement overnight Friday and Saturday morning.

At least two stop signs along Borland Street were altered with a sticker that reads “Cobb” just below the “Stop.”

When called Saturday morning, mayoral candidate Walt Cobb said they also found two similar signs Friday.

“It’s absolutely illegal to deface a stop sign,” said Cobb.

“It will be investigated and I guess staff will determine next steps from there. I guess this is what you call dirty politics.”

Cobb said the actions were disturbing.

“It’s frustrating when you have to go through all this. But I’m just going to carry on with my positive campaign.”

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Interestingly, a Facebook group with the same logo, a stop sign with Cobb’s name attached, has existed in the past but, has been inactive since 2016.

Mayoral candidate Surinderpal Rathor said he was disturbed by these actions taken against his opponent and does not condone them at all.

“Nobody should be doing these things, these are cheap shots,” Rathor said. “We are living in a democratic country that is not correct.”

He instead said people should voice their political opinions at the upcoming elections on Oct. 20 and that the person or persons responsible should be dealt with accordingly.

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Williams Lake RCMP Insp. Jeff Pelley confirmed Saturday morning police are investigating the matter.

“We have received a complaint and commenced an investigation. Anyone who has witnessed this act is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-392-6211.”


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