Some Quincy residents concerned about statues of saints planned for new public safety building
The new public safety building in Quincy is expected to last 100 years, but it is two statues being sculpted for the front that are generating hundreds of comments. They are of St. Michael and St. Florian. They are the patron saints of the police department and fire department.
"We have had a number of emails. Some people are concerned about it and other emails people are for it," said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. "It's really in honor of their service, and we always pray for their protection no matter what your faith is."
Councilor says statue reminds him of brutal force
Mayor Koch says some residents have pushed back, calling it too religious, while others are concerned about the $800,000 price tag. One of the staunchest objections comes from a former Quincy police officer who now sits on the city council. In a statement on social media, Councilor Dan Minton says the St. Michael statue reminds him of "brutal force." The sculpture depicts St. Michael standing on top of the head of a demon. He does not want people connecting the violent image to their local law enforcement.
"I am fine with the depiction," said Mayor Koch. "We see on the news every night a lot of evil happening in the world all around us, and Michael stands for good over evil, that's the image."
At Monday's city council meeting, the mayor's office is presenting an update to the council on the progress of the building. City Council President Ian Cain expects the statues to come up.
"The part that I have a problem with overall is that the city councilors weren't aware that this was taking place, and it sort of reflects poorly on the job that we're supposed to do representing the people of Quincy," said Cain.
He has been trying to foster a discussion on the statues, so that they get a chance to hear complaints and to educate people on the overall meaning.
"There's certainly an argument to be made about public art and particular representations in places, and its place in public spaces," said Cain. "It's when you get this sort of visceral emotional triggering response to an issue that you get people paying attention, which isn't a bad thing, but you have to look where the money is being spent and not a particular allocation."
"I certainly hope once people understand what the images mean to our police officers and our firefighters, then there may be less objection," said Mayor Koch.
