NC city fining campaigns for leftover signs

WINSTON-SALEM — Political candidates are being held responsible for leftover campaign signs found on public property along roads and sidewalks in one North Carolina city.

Officials in Winston-Salem are levying a $50 fine for each sign left on public property regardless of who placed it. The law includes signs from real estate agents, restaurants and other businesses.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported Monday that one candidate for the county board of commissioners has been fined $1,700 so far. Candidate Dave Plyler says his workers say they didn’t place the signs, but he has to pay the bill.

City records show $8,500 has been levied in fines since last year when the law became effective. The city has collected about $2,850.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)