By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A dilapidated flagpole is coming down at Whitford Park, but several Village of Waterford officials have said the days of offering a patriotic monument are not over.
In recent months, several village panels, including the Public Works Committee, have discussed the state of the flagpole, and suggestions have aired around either fixing or dismantling the aging, rusting structure.
During a brief period of deliberation July 27, the Village Board finally agreed the structure should come down at Whitford Park, though it could make a return appearance.
“It doesn’t look good in our village,” Trustee Don Houston said.
The state of the flagpole sparked a spirited discussion about patriotism and how the village can best respect local veterans who have served in assorted wars over the years.
Village President Tom Roanhouse said he believed further overtures should be taken to recognize those have served and defended the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
“Our veterans groups around here are numerous and active,” Roanhouse said. “We should do everything we can to respect them.”
While the existing flagpole is coming down, a new one could be constructed at Whitford or another green space within the community. One other possibility, beyond Whitford, is to have a flag flying at Ten Club Park, which is in the midst of an extensive overhaul.
Director of Public Works Jeff Dolezal has been directed to remove the existing flagpole. The cost of installing a new one, he said, would hover between $4,000 and $5,000.
While the village is addressing an unsightly issue, Roanhouse said he hopes it is only one step in the process.
“I hope … we will have a nice flagpole display there (Whitford Park) or somewhere else,” he said.
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