OLD LYME — The signs on J. David Kelsey’s property supporting Bob Stefanowski, the Republican candidate for Governor, have been defaced.

We asked the respective Chairs of the Old Lyme Republican and Democratic Town Committees for their reaction to this occurrence.

Randy Nelson, Chairman of the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee, responded by email saying, “I have already written about it in CTExaminer. It is disgusting and should be condemned by all people of all parties. On behalf of the OL RTC , I condemn such defacement by anyone directed at any candidate of any party. I would hope the DTC of OL would join me in this assault on civility.”

We asked for a copy of his comments to CTExaminer, but have not yet received a response to that request.

Mary Jo Nosal, Chair of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee, also responded by email saying, “The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee does not support, and has never supported or participated in political sign defacement or removal.

We also notice the increase in vitriolic and unsubstantiated claims against candidates and town officials. It would be useful to hear what the new Chair of the Old Lyme Republican Party offers in the way of solutions to reduce party polarization and the decreased civility he references, including the defacement and theft of political signs on private property, or the inappropriate placement of political signage on State property.

The Old Lyme DTC has been and remains supportive of improved respect for candidates during campaigns and of conduct that reflects the values of all voters in Old Lyme.”