NYS worker caught on video removing GOP lawn sign but officials say he followed the law

A state worker was caught on camera removing a lawn sign backing a Republican congressional candidate — but officials said it was plopped without permission onto state property on Long Island.Viral images show Department of Transportation employee in a reflective vest pulling a “Mike LiPetri for Congress” sign out of the ground and tossing it into the back of a government truck in Oyster Bay.The images sparked outrage from LiPetri, who is running against incumbent Democrat Tom Suozzi for his seat in the House of Representatives, as well as other conservatives who took the removal as targeting GOP signs.“Does someone want to explain to me why New York State Transportation workers are pulling down Republican Lawn Signs,” Kevin Smith, founder of the conservative group The Loud Majority posted on X.LiPetri himself responded, saying as quickly as his supporters place signs “they magically disappear.”Smith identified the spot as on private property, but transportation officials said it was on property owned by the state on Jericho Turnpike.“The State Department of Transportation is highly confident that the sign in the photograph was removed from our property — the department is authorized to remove signs placed on its right of way,” agency spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri told The Post.The state DOT routinely stores signs removed from its property for 30 days, during which the owner can reclaim them.LiPetri, a former state assemblyman endorsed by President Trump, and Suozzi previously faced off in 2024.Congress members serve two-year terms at annual salary of $175,000.Election Day is Nov.3.Additional reporting by Shane Galvin...