Slaughter Under Fire in Campaign Sign Scandal

He’s running for state office, but Democratic Assembly candidate Josh Slaughter is under fire over accusations that his campaign broke the rules by placing political signs along New York highways.

The controversy centers on numerous campaign signs erected along Route 112 and Sunrise Highway, where state regulations restrict political advertising within highway rights-of-way, particularly on controlled-access roadways.

The New York State Department of Transportation prohibits campaign signs within controlled-access highway rights-of-way and restricts temporary political signs elsewhere when they interfere with traffic safety or highway maintenance.

The sign controversy comes amid reports that legally placed campaign signs belonging to incumbent Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano have been stolen, damaged or destroyed, raising questions about whether political dirty tricks have entered the increasingly contentious race.

The escalating dispute over political signs has also drawn attention away from major issues facing district residents, including public safety, affordability, immigration spending and the state's controversial bail reform policies.

Slaughter has also faced criticism for offering members of Local 66 Laborers Union $50 for four hours of campaign work, an amount equivalent to $12.50 per hour, below New York's minimum wage. The offer raised questions about campaign practices and the involvement of union personnel in political activities.

The Democratic challenger has additionally drawn criticism for leaving a civic association meeting before residents had finished expressing their concerns.

With Election Day approaching, the controversies have intensified scrutiny of Slaughter's campaign as he seeks to unseat DeStefano, a four-term Republican incumbent.