Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

Hay River (Nov 15/99) - New regulations surrounding where Hay River candidates can place election signs has at least one candidate making changes.

Before the election campaign started, Hay River North candidate Julien Lefebvre's campaign manager Ken Comeau asked Hay River town hall staff for information on existing town policy regarding election campaign signage.

He also asked for additional signage information from the returning officer.

Town staff gave Comeau a copy of regulations which he reviewed. He then sought and received verbal authorization from Northland Utilities to post signs on utility poles.

But once the signs were up, on Nov. 4, Lefebvre received a fax from town manager Charlie Scarborough which explained the town's new sign policy.

"In light of the town manager's letter, it has become necessary to remove our signs and posters from most locations, which at the start were legal and now appear to be in contradiction of the new election signage policy," read a release from the Lefebvre campaign.

"We will be removing all signs and posters from public property. We urge other candidates to do the same."

The sign policy from the town states in part that no election material shall be placed or posted on lots or in the right-of-ways immediately adjacent to the town hall, arena, community hall and the cemetery.

The town will permit posting or placing campaign signs on municipal road right-of-ways provided such signage does not create an obstruction.

"Election materials shall be posted on free-standing signs and shall not be affixed to any town building, tree, pole or light standard without prior permission," the town policy reads in part.

Town manager Charlie Scarborough and candidate Julien Lefebvre could not be reached for comment by press time.