Trumbull GOP Chair Renews Complaint; Lawn Signs Debated

As election day nears, lawn signs and headquarter rentals are the topic for debate.

The email exchange started with a letter from Trumbull DTC Chair Nancy DiNardo asking Testani, chair of the Police Commission, to enforce lawn sign rules.

"Over the years, you have called me complaining that there were Democratic lawn signs up either the wrong size, on the wrong properties, or up too early or up too long. But now there are numerous Republican signs for Linda McMahon up, including on the first selectman's lawn," she said.

"Murphy supporters as well as candidates for other offices have asked to put up signs and I have discouraged it based on our town ordinance.  But they are asking me why we are following the rules if the Republicans refuse.  The First Selectman especially should be setting a better example than to have 3 signs on his lawn."

Testani replied:

"Certainly your concerns will be addressed and signs will be removed and placed back up at the appropriate time. I was especially impressed that you made a connection between sign removal and the change in the Town charter and the voting districts. As you are well aware, both the charter and the voting districts changed last time under a Trumbull government controlled by the Democratic Party. In fact, you should be congratulated for making sure the 22nd State Senatorial district was changed to incorporate more registered Democrats than Republicans and Unaffiliated voters."

He added, "I will take this message from you as an indication that the Trumbull Democratic Party will fully comply to all Town ordinance laws for political signs during this election cycle and I am sure you will understand that I will contact you should there be any deviation from the law."

Finally, in an email Tuesday, Testani renewed his November 2011 complaint against DiNardo that the Trumbull Democratic Headquarters was housed in property owned by DiNardo's family in Trumbull Center, for which she allegedly failed to pay rent.

State election law requires payment of fair market rent for political headquarters.