BOONTON — Boonton is unmistakably in the throes of campaign season, as evidenced by reports of vanishing campaign signs from both political factions. Despite the ubiquity of surveillance cameras nowadays, some still risk potential exposure.
A recent incident in Boonton highlighted this audacity. David Vasa, 54, the former Chairman of the Boonton Democratic Committee, was captured on video removing a campaign sign of Republican Mayoral Candidate Jim Lynch. More notably, the sign wasn’t just any regular lawn sign but a 15-foot banner prominently displayed on the side of an RV.
Boonton Police Records indicate that a complaint was issued concerning the banner’s theft, which took place on Saturday, October 21. Mr. Vasa was charged under statute 2C:20-3A.
Vasa stated to Boonton Police that the banner appeared to be loose, to which he admitted that he removed the banner, placed it in the rear of his vehicle, and drove away. He stated that he no longer had the sign, and it was discarded. At this point, Mr. Vasa was mirandized due to incriminating statements. He was then processed according to Boonton Police policies and procedures for theft. He was released on complaint 1401-S-2023-000082, with a court date of November 15 at Morris County Superior Court.
It’s worth noting that Vasa previously contested for the Council member of Ward 4 position in the 2019 election but was defeated by Republican Michael J. Wade. He also ran in 2020 against James Lynch, facing another loss.
Commenting on the recent incident, Republican Candidate James Lynch stated, “My campaign emphasizes restoring unity, decorum, transparency, and collaboration to the Council. Such goals become increasingly challenging when Democrat candidates and sitting Council members have ties with individuals charged with campaign material theft. Boonton and its residents truly deserve better.”
“Despicable conduct like this by DeVenezia Democrat Dave Vasa has no place in Boonton or anywhere else. Voters deserve better,” commented the Morris County Republican Committee.
The upcoming General Election on November 7 will see James Lynch as the Republican Mayoral contender, while Council Member Ward 2, Marie DeVenezia, represents the Democratic Mayoral side.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
