Scarecrow fire raises political concern

COLCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) -- A burnt pumpkin and hay are all that remain of the democratic party's display in Colchester's annual scarecrow contest.

On Tuesday night it went up in flames, but it's the first selectman's facebook post which sparked it's own firestorm.

Gregg Schuster wrote, "Minor fire on the town green tonight. Apparently, the Democrats scarecrow was lit. At the time, I was in a meeting with over a dozen people that will confirm it wasn't me!"

"I just thought it was very insensitive. I don't think this is a joking matter and I think people need to take it seriously," Democrat Selectman, Rosemary Coyle, said.

The display which featured the faces of democratic candidates on scarecrows is done every year and this has never happened before.

Firefighters were called to the scene at about 8:20 Tuesday night about forty minutes before that second presidential debate began. None of the other displays were affected at all, including the Republicans' submission to this contest. That's not to say that this fire was politically motivated, but organizers say if it was, it's very disappointing because this display is really for the kids.

News 8 asked Coyle if they were being too sensitive, and she said, "I think the first selectman has a responsiblility to respond in an appropriate manner no matter what happens in town."

News 8 went to Gregg Schuster's office and found he was out of town and was referred to his facebook page, where his original post was deleted.

He's now joining the call to find those responsible and like the Democrats plans on matching the 250 dollar reward to catch them.