The Edifice Complex – Stop Naming Buildings after Living Politicians
The Palmetto Bay Council is considering two resolutions to rename public property in honor of two current councilmembers.
Naming public assets after living politicians still in public service is self-serving and wrong.
Naming public assets after living politicians still in public service is self-serving, wrong, and an abuse of taxpayer money.
The pending Palmetto Bay November 2, 2009 meeting agenda includes resolutions calling for renaming Palmetto Bay Park in honor of Mayor Eugene P. Flinn, and naming the Palmetto Bay Library’s Amphitheater and Community Room to honor Councilman Ed Feller and his wife, Arlene.
Politicians love to memorialize themselves and others in the naming of government buildings, streets, and parks.
We’ve seen this legacy practiced at the national level for years. According to the Chicago Tribune, nearly half of the bills Congress passed in 2007 involved the naming of post offices, buildings, and roads.
ABC’s John Stossel used the phrase, “Edifice Complex” to describe this practice. In his “Give Me a Break” report on ABC’s 20/20 program, Stossel noted the increasing trend toward naming public buildings after living people, especially politicians. “I understand why politicians like having their names on buildings,” said Stossel. “It’s an ego boost. And the free advertising doesn’t hurt their perpetual reelection campaigns. But you shouldn’t have to pay for their monuments to themselves.”
Palmetto Bay Park and the Village library were built with (and are maintained by) taxpayer money – our money. These community assets belong to us, the residents of Palmetto Bay.
If any sitting mayor or councilmember wants a public asset named after themselves – let him or her pay for it!
Even better – if the Council wants to enact a law regarding naming public property, it should be this:
An ordinance barring the naming of buildings — or parks, or streets or anything else — after living people.
The Edifice Complex has no place in Palmetto Bay. Perhaps our elected officials can begin building more lasting “legacies” with good governance.
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Re naming buildings and parks
I fully agree with Jim’s comment re naming public edifices for living persons.
I especially believe it is unwise for sitting officials presiding over naming such for themselves as that constitutes a conflict of interest and therefore, the entire Council should recuse itself from being involved with any official duties connected with such proposals and actions.
Such namings and honors should be in memoriam of persons posthumously who have made significant and recognized contributions over a long time or done a heroic deed.
Edifices can be named also for living persons who make a significant financial or otherwise material contribution toward the edifice.
Gus
I think it is wrong and agree with you completely. These guys get so full of themselves. Next we will have Flynn Boulevard, Stanczyk Avenue, and the Ed Feller Community Concession Building at Gene Flynn park, formerly known as Coral Reef Park.
I think we are all in agreement. Not only should they not get this resolution passed, but should now be disqualified from any future namings.
Smith, it is a great post thanks for posting it!
In a class act move, Mayor Eugene Flinn said “I’m going to respectfully decline.” Meanwhile, Ed and Arlene Feller had part of the new Palmetto Bay library named after them.
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