[August 22, 2011] EDITORIAL: Big deal over little plaques Tweet Aug 22, 2011 (The Evening Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Why does every issue turn into such a big, contentious deal in Abbottstown? Because a deep divide has sprung up in the town. And it is most manifested in borough council chambers. Whatever one faction says, the other disagrees. Just like Washington, D.C. -- one exercise after another in petty absurdity. This time, Abbottstown's big debate is whether plaques should be mounted on items donated for the borough's "square beautification" project. Several years in the works, the square project involved sprucing up the area with brick sidewalks, decorative lamp posts, benches, planting beds and a small bell tower to house the town's old school bell. The project took years to get off the ground, in part because a planning committee was drumming up donations from businesses and individuals. Apparently, part of that fundraising process involved a promise that, in the completed square, a plaque would be mounted with the names of all those who had made a significant donation. But by the time the project was completed, there had been a changeover on the borough council. Members of the square planning committee were no longer in office, and in April, the new council voted against paying the approximately $1,200 for a plaque. We understand that reluctance, given the belt-tightening that's been going on everywhere over the past couple of years. But then, one Abbottstown couple decided they want the borough to honor the promise made to them -- their names on a plaque recognizing a gift of more than $1,000 to purchase a lamp post. And they themselves will pay to have a small plaque made and attached to the post. Still, some members of council are balking at the idea. They don't want the newly dressed up square littered with individual plaques. They're not even sure how to attach a plaque to a lamp post. And besides, the planning committee had no authority to promise a plaque. On and on. But we have to agree with Councilman Jerry Lillich, who said even if the borough has no legal obligation to provide a plaque, there really is a moral one. A promise was made; checks were written. Yes, it would be nice if everyone made their charitable and civic donations without expecting recognition. But if someone was promised that a check would get them a small bit of bronze immortality, then there is indeed a moral obligation to see that they get it. And, they're offering to pay for it themselves. Why is this a big deal? Council can and should set guidelines -- maximum plaque sizes, minimum donation amounts that qualify, things like that. Then, let those who donated to the square project decide if they will pay for their own plaque. No big deal. Except in Abbottstown. ___ (c)2011, The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pa.) To see more of The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pa.), or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.eveningsun.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]