The election race in Summerland took a nasty turn when a candidate's sign was altered.
Toni Boot, a candidate for one of six city councillor positions in Summerland, was using the lettered sign at her local business as part of her campaign. Her sign at Grasslands Nursery originally read “On November 15, Vote Toni For Council”. However, late Saturday night someone rearranged the “For Council” section to make sexually vulgar and racist comments on either side.
RCMP responded Sunday morning after receiving a call from the public. The officers removed the lettering and are considering the act a hate crime. “Hate motivated crimes are very concerning and the Summerland RCMP are taking this incident seriously,” says Corporal Bruce Haley. Investigation is ongoing.
Boot didn't learn about the event until the evening. “This sign has brought up all kinds of negative memories from when I was a kid growing up in Summerland. It was pretty harsh,” Boot said. However, she says that the community response has been overwhelming. Boot has received support through emails, phone calls, and even people she doesn't know on the streets. “It just confirms what I've known all along, that this is a great community.”
“At least it's increased awareness, and frankly it's increased my exposure, and what more can I ask for as I'm running for council?”
*Photo Credit: Toni Boot*
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