It was a decision one board member said was not made lightly, but ultimately the Community Services Commission voted to recommend the City Council not to erect a plaque in honor of long-time resident Mark Ryan.
Although recognizing all the lives Ryan had touched and the friendliness he displayed to residents, some Commission members felt that this case did not meet the high standards of review for an honorary plaque.
The Commission voted three to one in favor of the recommendation to deny the plaque. Commissioner Miller abstained, while Commissioner Hawkins was the only no vote.
Administrative Policy No. 1.36, which governs the bestowing on permanent plaques states "that such action should be done with careful thought and consideration so that past or future naming actions are not diminished or lessened," adding that the individual receiving the plaque "shall have served the Glendora community in truly exceptional ways to the welfare of the city."
"It's very hard for me because I grew up with Mark," said Nicholle Brang, commissioner. "I can probably think of five other people that are either living, or have passed that have affected the community just as well. Where do you draw the line?"
Brang, along with fellow Commissioners Paul Lopez and Linda Hermann emphasized that this may not be the best way to honor Ryan and perhaps an honorary bike ride, among other ideas, could be a better way.
Commission members wanted examples of residents past and present who have received pride markers. Names such as current resident and Olympic athlete Bryan Clay, former Parks and Recreation director George Manooshian and former City Manager Art Cook were used as examples of the people bestowed with a commemorative plaque.
A plaque is the highest form of recognition to be given, said LaShawn Butler, director of Community Services.
"It's an emotional impact. This one isn't something that is easy, because of the person that we are talking about," Hermann said. "There are so many people in Glendora … that will wave and smile at you. To single that particular thing out as the very reason why this should be bestowed upon him, I think is diminishing everyone else."
The recommendation will be put forth to the City Council at a future meeting, where a final decision will be made, officials said.
What do you think? Was this the right decision to make? Are there better ways to honor Mark Ryan? Comment below.
