In Woodbury, a Sign of the Times

Bob Tatreau has lived in Woodbury for 22 years.

He’s a Republican, and shows his support with yard signs for local candidates and GOP-backed issues.

Several of his yard signs were recently stolen.

“This happens to me every year,” Tatreau said.

And not just to him, Woodbury police told Patch.

Between Aug. 21 and Tuesday, Aug. 28, police received seven calls about stolen political signs, said Michelle Okada with the . Of course, many of the incidents go unreported.

Tatreau has lights on his signs, but it didn’t stop thieves from taking six of his nine. He’s planning to install security cameras.

“The first time it happens, you do feel violated. … But to be in this game, you’ve got to thicken your skin,” Tatreau said.

, JoAnn Ward said she has fielded plenty of phone calls and emails from supporters whose signs were stolen. One neighborhood had every sign stolen along a four- to six-block span.

“People are volunteering to put these (signs) up,” she said. “It’s frustrating and disappointing.”

Including their wire stands, the signs cost about $4.50 apiece, said Ward, who lives in Woodbury.

While she said face-to-face interaction is more important, Ward did note that signage gives voters some context, especially for someone like her, who, as a former realtor, knows the value of getting one’s name in the public eye.

“It’s all about name recognition,” Ward said.

Despite his signs being stolen again this year, Tatreau said he won’t be deterred.

“I’ll just keep putting them up,” he said.

Woodbury City Council

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State Senate District 53

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House District 53A

House District 53B

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Washington County Board District 5

Lisa Weik (i)

Washington County Board District 2

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