Ruth Oosting: Council wasted donation, should cover cost of new signs

I applaud the city of Atwater’s decision to place “In God we Trust” signs on the council chamber’s wall and over the entrance to city hall. No particular religion is identified, just a general acknowledgement of the Almighty.

Over $1,500 was donated by the public to cover the cost and I am proud to have made my contribution. City council members reviewed numerous proposed designs and finally selected and unanimously chose their selection.

A few weeks ago, the signs were erected in a moving and heartfelt ceremony. Now the city council members, with help from a couple of residents, claim their choice was a mistake. Is this the same few who seem to have so much to say for what goes on in the city of Atwater? What will happen if a few of us decide we don’t like the new designs – again, chosen by the special few?

The council spent my contribution and others to the tune of $680. So it’s only fair the council members take responsibility for their mistake and each write a personal check for $136 so they can return the money they so foolishly wasted.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Ruth Oosting: Council wasted donation, should cover cost of new signs."