Spearman disappointed with campaign attack

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Sunny South News

• Lethbridge Liberal candidate had several signs stolen, vandalized over the weekend

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Coaldale residents woke up Sunday morning to several vandalized election signs in town that has left Lethbridge Liberal candidate Chris Spearman, disappointed.  

“There were things (on the signs) that people shouldn’t see when they’re driving their families to church on Sunday,” said Spearman. “We’ve pulled out all the offensive ones – with the F-word on them and the offensive symbols. It’s disappointing to see it happen.” 

In addition to profanity, at least one sign that was defaced displayed an anti-Semitic symbol.

The Liberal candidate was in Coaldale early Sunday afternoon replacing several election signs along Highway 3, some that have also gone missing. 

“We know at least four signs have been stolen, in addition to at least five defaced,” he said noting it appears that only his signs were targeted in the  incident, in the early morning hours of April 6.

“In a democracy I think people should be able to advertise our views, we should have the same rights to publicity as anybody else,” he added. 

Spearman’s campaign received a tip and photos of the vandalism from a supporter Sunday morning before 8 a.m.  He confirmed that his campaign has notified the RCMP about the vandalism and theft incidents.  

While out door-knocking across the riding recently, Spearman said he’s heard some troubling feedback from supporters. 

“I did notice a lot of intimidation (while) knocking on doors. People are saying I’m supporting you but I’m hesitant to put a sign on my lawn,” said Spearman. “In a real democracy, no one should be afraid. We should be able to discuss our differences at public forums and there’s other ways we can talk about politics and talk about the issues …. I understand people are frustrated, there are issues to be resolved in this country but there’s ways to do that constructively,” he added. 

Local Spearman supporter Margaret Plumtree, who has a sign on her property, said people should have the freedom to express their political support without fear of retaliation.

“I feel in Alberta, democracy has left our province. There’s a lot of anger, there’s a lot of angst and if you don’t vote the way that we (Albertans) vote, (they) don’t want to hear from you,” said Plumtree. “So I do believe that the vandalism is a way to put down democracy.” 

“We all have a right – it doesn’t matter who you’re voting for, you have a right to say who you want to vote for,” she added, noting she wasn’t surprised to hear about the vandalism because “the last couple of years have been tough” for Liberal supporters in Alberta.  

Spearman said that Coaldale is the only known location in the Lethbridge riding that has seen any vandalism or theft.