Challenger in Runoff Race for District 1 Accuses Incumbent of Kicking Down Yard Signs

The runoff race to represent District 1 on the Tuscaloosa City Council appeared to get dirty Saturday, as challenger Joe Eatmon accused incumbent Matthew Wilson of kicking down yard signs days ahead of the Tuesday election.

Eatmon uploaded home surveillance footage he said was sent to his campaign by a supporter. The video shows a man walking into the yard, kicking down a sign and walking away carrying another, though it is not clear whose sign he is carrying.

The Eatmon campaign says the man on camera is incumbent City Councilman Matthew Wilson.

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Madolyn Kirby, a spokesperson for the Eatmon campaign, told the Thread they also have an eyewitness who allegedly identified Wilson, but that they are not interested in filing charges at this time.

"We are focused on winning this election Tuesday," Kirby said Saturday night.

Wilson and Eatmon will compete in a Tuesday runoff after Wilson won the majority of the votes in a 3-candidate race earlier this month, but not a plurality. Eatmon edged out his opponent, Que Chandler, by 6 votes, and Chandler eventually endorsed his campaign against Wilson. 

“This is a prime example of dirty politics and someone unfit for office," Eatmon said in a statement. "While my campaign spent the day talking to voters, this is what my opponent did. How obvious that it is time for new, responsible leadership for our community.”

Wilson did not respond to requests for comment Saturday night before this report was published.

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.