New Britain mayor suggests a public vote to resolve dilemma over Columbus statue

Nov 25, 2020 494

BY: Don Stacom

After months of debate, New Britain city government may ask residents to say whether the controversial Columbus statue at McCabe Park stays or goes. Mayor Erin Stewart is floating the idea of a nonbinding referendum on what to do with the 14-foot-high bronze monument that’s become a political lightning rod.

Local Democratic leaders say that’s just a way for Stewart and her Republican-dominated council to duck out of a decision that appears certain to alienate either the Puerto Rican community or the Italian-American community. The checkered legacy of Columbus became target of civil rights protesters nationwide in June, when many cities abruptly removed the monuments or saw them torn down. 

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SOURCE: https://www.courant.com

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