A slab of granite on the grounds of the old Everett City Hall has become an emotional lightning rod that threatens to short-circuit progress the city is making.
Letters to this newspaper indicate how divisive this issue could become. Dozens of citizens have written passionately in opposition to a lawsuit against the city that seeks to have the monument removed from public property. Others, while smaller in number, have written just as passionately from the other side.
Legal experts indicate that this case isn’t a slam dunk for either side, and has the potential to become a particularly ugly, drawn-out fight.
The last thing anyone here – regardless of their feelings about the monument – wants to see is a protracted legal battle that threatens to pit neighbor against neighbor in a low-level holy war. The city is making positive moves on the economic development front, and is poised for more. Complex and important budget issues need to be addressed. A fight over the placement of a 45-year-old monument could serve as unwelcome distraction – as well as an unnecessary expense.
In the big picture of the city’s future, this relatively innocuous monument – nearly hidden from view by foliage – isn’t worth such a risk. Likewise, in the realm of church vs. state issues, this isn’t a pivotal case for Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, which is representing plaintiff Jesse Card in this case.
Given that the bulk of the legal work already has been done, and most of the legal fees paid, it makes sense to let U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik issue a ruling, which he is expected to do this fall. Both sides in the case should pledge now to abide by Lasnik’s decision and forego any appeal.
If the city loses, it would be fiscally irresponsible to take the case further, especially with budget cuts already on the horizon. If the city wins, the plaintiff takes a huge financial risk in an appeal, which could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court – with no guarantee of victory, or even a hearing.
With all that’s going right in Everett, this case isn’t worth the kind of bitter fight that’s possible. Both sides can serve their own interests and prevent a community crisis by agreeing now to let Judge Lasnik have the final word.
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