Bilodeau’s Defense
This week I received a flier in the mail that contained a link with a copy of the police report associated with newly elected Orange city councilman Denis Bilodeau’s recent arrest for removing an opponent’s political sign. There have been various excuses floated, among the most creative is that of Denis’ attorney. OC Register correspondent Frank Mickadeit, after speaking to Denis’ attorney, explained their defense strategy this way:
The sign, in fact, was not really a “Carol Rudat sign” anyway. It said, “Dump Dennis.com.” One issue will be whether her campaign I.D. was on the particular sign he is accused of removing … With no proof it was her sign, it amounts to nothing more than abandoned property, or even trash.
I see. Denis was merely cleaning up around the neighborhood. At one o’clock in the morning. Reminds me of the old Cheech and Chong skit: “Your honor, my client merely found these drugs … .” Maybe they should also investigate the twinkey defense also.
The point is not, though, whether Denis will be convicted. The point is whether he did it – and what that act in the wee hours of the morning after a visit to O’Hara’s Pub says about the judgment of our newly elected city councilman.
I know nothing about the man in question, but I think it is really weird that the police department would take the time to write someone up for petty theft. Of a sign. They didn’t categorize it as vandalism, which I find odd. Well, the whole thing sounds odd, actually.
And, I also thought I had read that campaign signs were technically illegal anyway? I know they are where I live, so perhaps it is a munipal law.