The issue of whether Pro-Life Estevan and Area should be allowed to sponsor benches in Estevan’s parks resurfaced at Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council.
The issue was discussed at the May 3 meeting, when council denied pro-life’s request to sponsor three benches within parks. They suggested that the benches be placed elsewhere in the community, possibly in front of businesses.
Bridget Bittman, the organization’s president and office co-ordinator, spoke to council about the issue. She reiterated the benches would not mention pro-life by name, but would have the message of “Always Loved,” and a symbol of two feet within a heart.
“Always Loved, that should be the message. It should be our focus, and not the messenger,” said Bittman, who described the benches as neutral and respectful.
Pro-Life didn’t add their name on purpose, because they didn’t want them politicized, she said.
She pointed out that Mayor Roy Ludwig, city manager Jeff Ward and parks manager Rod March were happy with the benches and approved them. Pro-Life spent close to $900 on the benches, at a discount from KRJ Custom Fabricating.
Since the publicity, six other families have approached Pro-Life to see if they could donate the same memorial bench in the parks they enjoy visiting because of the “Always Loved” message; in most cases, they have had some kind of family experience. She has also been approached about a bench for the park in Hitchcock.
Bittman said this is not precedent-setting, because the city has many memorial benches in its parks, and pro-life just wants to address a need, since many benches need to be replaced.
After Bittman finished her speech, council members had their chance to give their thoughts and explain why they denied the request. They pointed out that they received calls from the public after it was first announced by pro-life in April that three benches would be added in city parks.
Bittman eventually said she would be happy to put the name of the donor on each one, saying it was sponsored by an individual or family. That suggestion seemed to resonate with council, but the members decided they want to wait until a new policy for sponsorships, naming rights and fundraising for city-owned amenities and sites.
Mayor Roy Ludwig shouldered some of the blame. When it was brought forward previously, he thought any business could put up a bench, and if a pro-choice group wants to put up a bench, he would also be in favour of it.
“I do understand, of course, there are people who draw the line in the land on this issue,” said Ludwig.
Council eventually held off making a final decision until the new policy and procedure is finished on naming rights and fundraising.
Bittman told council she has had people come forward to say they would like to have the benches on their property, but the benches were manufactured to be donated to the city.
