A ferry flying a Trump flag as it traveled the Outer Banks in North Carolina got a new captain and crew member to replace two who were suspended a week for hoisting the Trump campaign banner in violation of state law.
The state-owned ferry MV Frisco carrying passengers from Hatteras to Ocracoke in July when a "Trump 2020" campaign flag was raised next to the state flag and American, the Charlotte Observer reported.
A passenger, Catherine Mitchell, posted a photo of the fluttering flag in the community section of the North Carolina Ferry System Facebook page on July 26, sparking an investigation.
"I love our ferries. I love our ferry personnel. This does not make me happy," Mitchell's post said. "I'm sorry, but is this legal? How would the person who flew this flag feel about a Hillary Clinton flag instead? I thought that government services were supposed to serve everyone and not be political."
The newspaper said North Carolina law prevents state employees from using state money, supplies or vehicles "to secure support for or oppose any candidate, party, or issue in an election involving candidates for office or party nominations ..." according to the North Carolina General Statute 126-13.
Tim Haas, spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division told the Coastland Times on Friday that the investigation determined the employees broke state law by hoisting the flag.
"No matter one's political affiliation, putting any sort of campaign material on a state-owned vessel is not appropriate," Haas told the Times.
Haas told The Virginia-Pilot that the Trump flag was up no longer than one trip across.
The ferry campaign flag sparked a fiery debate on social media.
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