Minutes after a mayoral candidate debate in Orangeville on Monday night, mayoral candidate Lisa Post spoke with CTV News regarding a recent video showing someone taking her lawn signs and walking away. “It’s really disappointing. I’m disappointed that any candidate would take it to this level. You should be able to run on your merit and your value as a candidate for this position,” said Post. “It’s an important position, and it’s hurtful.” Post taking to social media to share the video, adding she reached out to authorities shortly after. “A resident reached out to me to let me know that my sign was taken from their property, and they had video footage of it being done, and as a result, I submitted that footage to the OPP and made a formal complaint.” On Monday, 77-year-old Nicholas Garisto was charged by Dufferin OPP with mischief and theft under $5,000. Garisto is one of five candidates in the race for mayor of Orangeville. CTV News reached out multiple times for comment but only spoke with the CTV News Digital team over the phone. Garisto does not deny he was charged but claims the video is not of him. He tells CTV News he was in the area of Elderberry Street, in Orangeville, on Sunday morning, delivering flyers. The alleged wrongful removal took place on that same street. “Would I put a flyer in the door and take a sign of the opposition out? I’m not a fool,” Garisto says. Adding, “I don’t have a black jacket,” claiming the man in the video was wearing a black jacket during the incident. He says he was not wearing a black jacket that day. “I respect every candidate that’s running, either for council or mayor or deputy mayor, as I’m very familiar with the process,” Garisto says. “It is against the law to remove the sign,” he says, adding, “a lot of my signs have been taken. Am I going to blame the opposition? It could’ve been kids.” Garisto tells CTV News he plans to clear his name. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. The five candidates running for mayor are Sandy Brown, Nick Garisto, Lisa Post, Christopher DeCastro and Jeremy Williams. With files from Moosa Imran
