CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Harrison County commissioners will hear concerns from a community member about the Stonewall Jackson in the courthouse lawn. About one week ago commissioners heard from more than 50 members of public that were split on the removal.
During the June 17 meeting, commissioner David Hinkle made a motion to have the statue returned to the Daughters of the Confederacy. Commission president Ron Watson seconded the motion but it failed in a 2-1 vote with Hinkle the only “yes.”
The Daughters of the Confederacy erected the statue in the early 1950s. It along with statues of Confederate figures have come under fire in recent weeks following days of protests for social justice.
“I still think, and I’m a strong advocate to allow the people to have a say that put us into office,”Watson said.
Watson says opinions vary widely on the statue and voters should decide rather than three elected officials.
“Everybody doesn’t view it as a racist type of situation,”Watson said,”A lot of people see history, but a lot of people do view it as racism.”
The meeting will be held in the Harrison County courthouse at 10 a.m.