Arnie Engel stands by the hood of his truck. (Enquirer photo/CRAIG RUTTLE)

Arnie Engel, head of Citizens for Accountability and Results in Education (CARE), said Friday that a neighbor near his Firestone Drive home reported seeing a man standing at Engel's front door Thursday around 9 p.m., and then near Engel's late-model pickup truck.

Engel found what appears to be acid damage to the front hood of the truck, which has a large, anti-Fairfield school levy sign mounted in the truck bed for display. Engel has reported earlier incidents of vandalism of other campaign signs this year.

Police are investigating, said Fairfield Police Chief Mike Dickey.

ELECTION 2004

• Kerry film stirs storm • Roundtable and a coney • Fairfield levy opponent says his truck vandalized • Senator keeps eye on economy • Senate foes set to debate • Dearborn to elect two commission newcomers • Monroe tax issue on ballot • Clooney ads deny he would raise Social Security taxes • Election 2004 section

Engel, who has been an active opponent of five proposed Fairfield school levies since 2001 - four of which voters rejected - blames overzealous pro-levy supporters who are trying to intimidate those who oppose the levy on the Nov. 2 ballot.

"These people can't pass their levies, so now they're threatening anyone who dares to vote no," said Engel.

Tim Crowe, a member of the pro-levy Promoting Activities to Complete Education (PACE), said levy supporters "don't condone any type of activity against Arnie or the signs he puts up," adding that his members will report anyone who might be associated with such crimes.

Voters are deciding on a 4.9-mill operating levy that if approved would raise school property taxes by $150 annually for the owner of a $100,000 home.---

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com