Times Observer file photo A proposal brought before the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission calls for a statue of George Washington, here, at Washington park in Warren.

Statue proposals in city parks for George Washington, Christopher Columbus and Leif Eriksson received a frosty perception during a Thursday meeting of the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission.

The proposal was laid out in an email to commission members and city staff by commission member Kirk Johnson.

He said he has “long thought it would be nice to have a classical life-sized statue on a pedestal of George Washington at George Washington Park. Probably right in the middle of the parking circle would make the most sense.”

Continuing to push his proposal for a nature preserve at the park, his letter stresses that the statue “should not interfere” with that effort.

“In fact, I believe it would enhance the ambiance and reinforce the idea that we have preserved the forest there in his name.”

The commission has taken no formal position on that broader preserve proposal.

The other statue proposal is of Columbus and Eriksson “standing together, shaking hands, symbolizing their cooperation in helping to spark the beginnings of America. They would each be depicted attired in the classic clothing of their day.”

Johnson suggested Celeron, Wetmore or Clemons Park as possible locations as well as the courthouse grounds.

He cited an essay he authored that was published in the European Conservative regarding the two explorers: “What is needed are more monuments across America and Europe, not just to Christopher Columbus or Leif Eriksson, but rather that symbolically portray the two profoundly consequential trailblazers together, shaking hands in the good cooperation that they for all intents and purposes engaged in across the centuries in helping to assemble the beginnings of America. If they only knew at the time the enduring gravity and magnanimity of what they were accomplishing for mankind.”

In his letter to the commission, Johnson cited the Scandinavian heritage in Warren County, suggesting that “this statue idea could help symbolize how we’re all friends now, in addition to it being a patriotic representation of the very beginnings of America.”

He also took a modern political stance in his letter, citing the “terrorists” that “have been brazenly tearing down our American history statues all across the country.”

Erecting these would “be a nice, constructive way for Warren to symbolically” oppose those actions.

The first question raised at the commission meeting was by City Manager Nancy Freenock, who asked where the funding would come from.

“(It) would have to be privately raised,” Johnson said. “(I) haven’t made any plans for fundraising. Who knows if anyone is even interested in this idea.”

Commission chair Mike Suppa said he is “not opposed to the general idea” but questioned the appropriateness when the city is struggling to fund lifeguard and playground supervisor positions.

“That, for me personally, would be more of a priority.”

“(I) think we’ve forgotten how statues are being torn down,” said City Councilman Phil Gilbert, who was in attendance.

Freenock also noted Washington’s history as a slave owner.

No further discussion on the proposal occurred during the meeting.