NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Advocacy group Clean Politics, Clean Water NC has expressed its support for the signs, cutouts, and flyers targeting Senator Michael Lee’s clean water record, which have appeared around New Hanover County. However, Lee’s campaign is considering legal action against the group.
Woody White, an attorney representing Lee’s campaign, issued a statement on Thursday alleging that Clean Politics, Clean Water NC has violated North Carolina General Statute 163-274 by making “false and derogatory statements intended to influence an election outcome.” White described the signs, which were placed in road rights-of-way and commercial properties without permission, as acts of vandalism and trespassing.
While no formal charges have been filed, White indicated that they are actively investigating the situation. “Our intent is to aggressively pursue the agitators and those funding them to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.
In response, Clean Politics, Clean Water NC spokesperson Jenny Kay criticized Lee for not addressing water pollution issues more urgently. Kay noted the group, which is registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, is not affiliated with any political party and emphasized that its mission is to advocate for clean water and hold elected officials accountable.
The organization, which recently formed, placed approximately 100 posters and 400 smaller signs around the county. These materials included messages like “Mike Lee backed polluters, now you pay for bottled water,” targeting Lee’s legislative actions on environmental issues. Kay described these placements as “issue ads” rather than traditional campaign materials, aiming to spark public discourse about water pollution.
One such display, an 18-by-6-foot poster, was placed on the side of a local business, prompting that business owner to consider filing a police report regarding the unauthorized signage. According to Kay, the goal of the placements was to inform the public about clean water issues, particularly regarding “forever chemicals.”
Lee’s campaign has reached out to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding the cardboard cutouts associated with the group, resulting in the removal of 37 signs across Wilmington. NCDOT spokesperson Lauren Jenkins stated safety concerns about the height of the signs led to their removal.
Lee addressed the controversy by requesting condemnation of the signs from his opponent Jessica Bichler and local Democratic Party Chair Jill Hopman, both of whom have raised concerns about his voting record on environmental issues. Kay indicated that the campaign’s response has likely increased visibility on water pollution topics.
Lee emphasized that criticism is part of running for office, affirming his commitment to discussing his clean water initiatives and debating these issues transparently. He has consistently supported water safety legislation since the emergence of GenX in North Carolina, although his proposals have received mixed reactions within the General Assembly.
As the situation evolves, Clean Politics, Clean Water NC plans to remove all installations after the election. Kay confirmed that the organization has no plans to make local businesses responsible for the removal costs, though one business owner is already seeking reimbursement for expenses incurred from cleaning up the signs.
