City must keep control of its own legal defense

Reasonable people can disagree over whether the City of Everett should move the Ten Commandments monument that sits outside Everett City Council chambers. Some see it as an unconstitutional melding of church and state, others say the granite slab is simply a historical monument that isn’t pushing religion on anybody.

But it’s hard to argue against the city’s decision not to accept an offer of free legal defense from the American Center for Law and Justice, an Virginia-based advocacy group founded by the Rev. Pat Robertson.

Even citizens determined to see the monument stay right where it is should be heartened by this call. The key to the city’s legal argument in this case is that the monument is not a declaration of support for a particular religion, but a time-honored part of the city’s history. Handing over defense of the case to a group with clear religious underpinnings could blow a fatal hole in that argument. Surely, it’s a move the group Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, which represents plaintiff Jesse Card, would love to see.

The monument was placed in its current location by the Everett Eagles in 1959 as a gift to the city. Over the years, other monuments – memorials to fallen veterans and to labor – have been placed nearby. Given that long track record and the mix of monuments at or near the site, the city believes its case has merit.

The argument for considering the Robertson group’s offer is financial. But Iles says the city already has spent about $80,000, most of what it will cost to take the case to verdict in U.S. District Court. Bringing in free legal help now wouldn’t save much.

Beyond the legal implications of ceding control of the case, the city would risk being seen as in step with the Robertson group’s entire political agenda, which might hurt efforts to recruit employers here. Economic development efforts often depend on a reputation for openness and progressiveness, something the city can’t afford to risk.

Citizens will continue to disagree about whether the city should fight this case or simply move the monument to private property. Either way, it’s good that city officials will be calling the shots.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Musk’s USAID shutdown an attack on most vulnerable

Even promises of ‘waivers’ are falling short and allowing medical efforts to dry up, endangering millions.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Trump can go only as far as the courts will allow

Most of Trump’s executive orders are likely to face court challenges, setting the limits of presidential power.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.