Several weeks ago I picked up a Chip Hughes for sheriff campaign poster from New Bern Republican Headquarters that I placed in my front yard. The next morning it was gone. Thinking that someone might have removed it because it was near the right-of-way, I went back to Republican Headquarters and got a second one. This was placed deeper into my front lawn. The next morning it too was gone.

I returned to Republican Headquarters for my third poster. Speaking with people there, I learned that my experiences were not unique. Others had come with similar stories. Some Republican campaign posters were removed, others defaced and some were thrown into ditches.

I placed my third Chip Hughes poster much deeper into my lawn and much closer to my house and I have resorted to taking it in at night.

I am concerned not only because of my yard and property being violated because of what I have observed at the end of Madam Moores Lane where there is a lineup of campaign posters. The first time I saw them they were all standing upright. A few days later I saw that one was pulled up and lying flat, a Chip Hughes one.

Sunday I noticed that someone righted it, but by Monday it was down again.

I have displayed a Chip Hughes poster because I am impressed with his credentials including more than 25 years in law enforcement and an impressive list of public service appointments, including chairman of the Governors Task Force on Safer Schools and North Carolinas Crime Commission. He also rose to the rank of sergeant in North Carolinas Highway Patrol.

It seems ironic that in the race for Craven County sheriff, a law enforcement position, crimes and misdemeanors including trespassing, theft and destruction of property are being used against a candidates campaign.

Perhaps more importantly, these actions deprive the candidates and the citizens of Craven County their constitutional rights guaranteeing freedom of expression.

Veronica Warrener, New Bern

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Letter: For Hughes