For now at least, the name remains the same.
The Bonney Lake City Council Tuesday night tabled for further discussion an ordinance to rename the city’s portion of the Sumner-Buckley Highway in honor of veterans.
The 5-2 decision came after a handful of long-time city residents spoke against the name change during the public comment portion of the meeting.
“I think the council needs a bit more time in understanding just how many people there are opposing this,” Councilmember Jim Rackley said as he seconded the motion to table, which then by rule goes to a vote with further discussion.
The council had planned to rename the stretch of highway between the intersection with state Route 410 and Angeline road to honor veterans, but the possibility sparked an outcry from businesses on the road as well as community members who said the name was part of the fabric of the city.
Among those who spoke to the council was Connie Swarthout, who owns C.J.’s Carry Out Deli, locate don Sumner Buckley Highway.
Swarthout told the council she understood and supported the idea of honor veterans, but asked that the city choose a different road. Swarthout said for residents who grew up in Bonney lake, like her, the road’s
“We need to honor the people that have been here,” she said. “There’s so many roads you can choose from.”
“It just has history for us oldtimers,” said Ron Lemco. “I’m all for veterans … but let’s not lose the meaning of the old time citizens.
“It’s just taking away a part of what’s left of our city,” echoed Carol Wheeler. “There’s a lot of roads out here that could be great for veterans.”
Rackley said Wednesday that he didn’t realize there would be as strong a backlash to the name change as there seemed to be.
“It was the ‘tearing-our-town-apart’ kind of comments,” Rackley said. “I understand the appreciation for something as simple as a road name.
Rackley said he wants to consider other ways to honor veterans instead of renaming the road.
“This wasn’t the only alternative,” he said. “There are other alternatives.”
The council will discuss the matter at a future workshop. There is no timetable for the issue, but Councilmember Mark Hamilton, who is spearheading the matter, said he hoped to have the renaming complete in time for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
