Hollister - A local motorcycle enthusiast is hoping to convince the Hollister City Council to green light his plans to put a statue of a World War II veteran astride a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle in front of the Veteran's Memorial Building on San Benito Street.
The statue, with a 6-foot by 8-foot oval cast in bronze, would not cost the cash-strapped city any money, Marlon Moss wrote in a letter sent to Hollister officials last week. It would be a gift from famous sculptor Mark Patrick, who is known for his work with Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle in the life-size statue would be a 1945 war surplus Harley-Davidson. The statue would be placed on the grass area in front of the Veterans Memorial Building. A brass plaque at the base of the statue would read "Dedicated to the men and women who have fought for our freedom and those who have discovered a new freedom, on the seat of a motorcycle."
In his letter, Moss wrote that the statue, "will bring real tourism and business to downtown Hollister."
The statue proposal will first go before the Parks Commission, which will make a recommendation to the city council, City Manager Clint Quilter said.
Moss said he believes the statue will resonate well with bikers and veterans alike. Hollister was a popular destination for motorcycle racers following WWII, and the city's annual biker rally during Fourth of July weekend is themed after the 1947 Hollister Hill Climb. The rally has been canceled for 2006, but many still expect throngs of bikers to travel to Hollister to enjoy an "unofficial" rally.
"We're not trying to promote unlawful assembly or motorcycle mayhem," he said. "We're trying to celebrate the bikers and veterans who came here to watch the races and hill climbs after the war."
Local Veterans of Foreign Wars Junior Vice Cmdr. Richard Herrera said he liked the idea of having a statue of a veteran, but wasn't so sure about the Harley-Davidson part of the statue. Regardless of how they may feel about the statue, Herrera said veterans would like to be consulted before the city council takes action.
"I'm sure veterans will have an opinion," he said. "We'd like to have some say in the matter and we hope the city will give us an opportunity to be involved in this decision."
Hollister City Councilman Brad Pike said he hasn't made up his mind on the proposal.
"The statue looks pretty cool, but I want to wait until we have more information and some input from the public," he said Tuesday. "We'd be going in a different direction in regards to the theme of the city; right now we're 'Hometown USA,' and this would change things."
The Parks Commission hasn't yet discussed the matter, but has asked Moss for additional information about the statues, contracts with the artist and placement of the statue. The Commission is set to discuss the proposal Tuesday evening at its meeting before making any recommendation to the City Council.
Brett Rowland covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or browland@freelancenews.com.
Brett Rowland Brett Rowland is city editor for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 332 or browland@freelancenews.com
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