Reward offered in campaign sign thefts

A man puts up $500 for information after more than 50 signs from Dade City commission candidates are taken.

By Helen Anne Travis, Times Staff Writer
Published March 7, 2008

DADE CITY - Norman Carey avoided dipping into his mom's inheritance until now.

As the April election nears, Dade City commission candidates have decorated the city with campaign signs. But some of those signs have recently gone missing.

Carey, who is not vying for a seat on the commission, said he will give $500 to anyone with information leading to the arrest of a sign stealer.

"I don't even suspect anyone will turn anyone in, though I would be willing to pay if that happened," he said.

Here's the fine print. Carey has only $500. If five people come forward with information, they have to split the pot. And the reward applies only to signs stolen during this election season. So if you know some dirt from the 2004 commission race, don't come to Carey asking for money.

So far this election season, more than 50 signs are missing in action.

Incumbent Steve Van Gorden said about 20 of his campaign signs are gone, a first in his three bids for a seat on the commission. All were placed on private property with the owners' permission, he said.

Mike Agnello's campaign Web site said he is missing 25 signs. Candidate Curtis Beebe said he is missing six to eight signs.

Carey supports those candidates. However, he said he's willing to pay if someone has information about signs stolen from their opponents.

"I have to be fair about this," he said.

Agnello's opponent, incumbent Eunice Penix, said she was also missing signs. The other candidates could not be reached.

Carey has always paid attention to local politics, he said. But he feels this year is crucial for Dade City as a majority of the seats are up for election.

His wife, Laura Beagles, works at City Hall, but he said she's not a part of his plan. The money he offers is from an inheritance he received after his mom passed away in 1995.

Carey works nights as an assistant computer support technician at St. Leo University. He said he doesn't make much money and has avoided touching the windfall until now.

"This is important enough to tap into it," he said.

Anyone with information should call the Dade City Police Department at 352 521-1493. Police Capt. David Duff said sign thieves could face petty theft charges.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or (352) 521-6518.

[Last modified March 6, 2008, 22:48:02]