In one of the most diverse cities in the country, San Jose leaders Tuesday debated the fate of the Christopher Columbus statue standing in the City Hall lobby — a symbol that has ignited a storm of controversy and launched a petition drive for its removal.

“I think everyone’s been twisting themselves into pretzels to avoid hurting people,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo after more than 60 community members addressed the council, some calling for the statue’s removal and others saying it should stay put. “Let’s stop twisting ourselves. Let’s see if we can at last put this behind us and focus on what’s positive, and there’s a lot positive in our community to honor.”