FALMOUTH — Town councilors discussed the possibility tonight of tightening municipal policies on political endorsements and signs in elections.

Councilors directed Town Manager Nathan Poore to review policies on town employees endorsing candidates or causes and using the town’s computer and e-mail systems to transmit such endorsements.

They sought Poore’s action in the wake of concern that school administrators sent e-mails endorsing School Board candidates in the June election.

Poore said town policies prohibit municipal employees from advocating for issues or candidates. Still, councilors asked Poore to coordinate his review with the school district’s reconsideration of its policies.

Councilor Tony Payne said it was especially inappropriate for an administrator to communicate an overt political message to subordinates.

“The most important thing is that it not happen again,” Payne said, stressing the need for clear consequences for policy violations.

Councilors also called for a review of municipal policies on whether town committees can endorse candidates or causes and how many signs may be displayed by a political campaign.

Councilor Fred Chase suggested a limit of 100 signs per candidate because there were so many signs before the June election, though he agreed that they were removed quickly.

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