Re: “Golden Tree in memory of farm workers,” The News, March 12.
After reading this piece I have to seriously question the cognitive function and lack of common sense that went into the decision to put up a monument in commemoration of the individuals (albeit dedicated to all farm workers) who tragically died in a motor vehicle accident.
This was a tragic accident with contributing safety violations by the contractors.
Motor vehicle accidents happen every day with tragic results, but is it appropriate to build a monument for every segment of our work force or ethnic community that might be involved?
Is this $ 100,000 allocation of taxpayer-funded government spending just another case of pandering to an ethnic segment of our community to garner votes?
I am so cynical and suspect of all politicians and political parties as evidenced by their recent behaviour.
This story raises a lot of concerns:
1. Could the money be better spent in support of the families who suffered, through an education fund for any children involved or to better educate the vulnerable farm workers?
2. Are we setting a precedent of monuments in public parks?
3. Who will pay for the maintenance and inevitable vandalism which will occur?
4. If this monument is made of brass or stainless steel, how long before it is harvested by metal collectors?
5. Would a park bench with plaque, paid for by this community, be more appropriate to commemorate the loss of their loved ones?
Indeed, this accident had terrible consequences, especially for the families involved.
However, in my opinion they would be better served by planting a real tree, possibly in a more appropriate location where it could be nurtured without constant fear of vandalism?
T.B. Mortimer
Mission