Theron Sanders Sr.: Waiting for a sign from on high

The saga of Atwater’s “ In God We Trust” sign continues. City officials are taking something admirable, as a declaration of respect for God, and turning it into a boondoogle. After approving a simple and tasteful sign, the decision makers at city hall had second thoughts. They decided to replace the existing sign. So now, the city council is in conducting the due process of coming up with something new, and in true Keystone Cops fashion, have removed the original sign as they debate a possible replacement.

Councilman Larry Bergman recently started the discussion of placing the inscription, “In God We Trust” on the city’s water tower. However, the city manager explained the existing lead-based paint will need removing from the tower prior to putting up a new sign. He claimed the cost would approach $1 million. I find it difficult to believe that water towers here, and across the country, can only be repainted at a cost of $1 million? Lead-based paint is very toxic to young children. However no child is likely to climb up a water tower, and gnaw on the paint surface.

I only hope our city can honor God in a less divisive way.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "Theron Sanders Sr.: Waiting for a sign from on high."