Political signs advertising state and local candidates line the roadside at the intersection of state routes 37 and 56 in Massena. NorthCountryNow photo by Andy Gardner.

By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- Political signs may soon start disappearing from public roadsides in Massena.

Town Supervisor Joseph Gray says the signs don't belong in public a public right of way and should stay on private property.

"If they're along town roads in our rights of way, we're going to pull them," Gray said. "They're called lawn signs for a reason."

He noted that the state Department of Transportation periodically disposes of political signs that dot state roads.

One of several areas in question in the intersection of state routes 37 and 56. At least 10 political signs for candidates such as state Assembly candidates Russ Finley and John Byrne were placed there, along with those for county coroner candidates Joe Lacks and Joseph White and village trustee candidates Matthew Lebire and Tim Ahlfeld. Signs advertising congressional candidate Elise Stefanik can be found along highways in Massena as well.

Gray believes that the roadside signs were first placed by state candidates, then the locals follow suit.

He said the signs often stay on roadsides well beyond election day. He pointed to last year's district attorney race, when signs for Mary Rain and Nicole Duvé remained in April after the snow melted.

"They never bothered to take them down. That's not acceptable," Gray said.