Editor:
    The question of the Confederate Monument on the grounds of the Bulloch County Courthouse grounds has become an emotional issue from all viewpoints. Some say it is racially offensive while the other side points to the historic and heritage merits of the question. Those who erected the monument in 1909 never imagined a statue would become so controversial.
    The monument should remain in place for two reasons, both removed from the rhetoric that has emerged.
    The company that performed the repair and restoration work on the monument in 2012-2013 says it has damage from over a century of exposure to the elements they were unable to remedy when the work was done. Consequently, it would likely sustain further damage and be at risk to be destroyed should any attempt be made to relocate it.
    A representative from the company said his firm was likely the only one in the state with the equipment and expertise to take on the task of moving the monument, but they would not take on such a project because of the high risks involved. According to him, an insurance policy for at least $175,000 would have to be obtained by the county governing authority to cover the liability involved. Because of the risk, he said it is unlikely an underwriter could be found to issue such a liability policy.
    That does not cover the estimated $25,000-$30,000 price tag to physically relocate it nor the expense of site preparation even if a suitable location could be found that would appease both sides of the question.
    Secondly, movement of the monument is prohibited under state law. Title 50-3-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated adopted in 2010 specifically bars the relocation of any monument to military personnel who served in the armed forces of the United States of America as well as the Confederate States of America.
    The Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941, Sons of Confederate Veterans, spent over $20,000 in an effort to repair and restore the monument, landscape the site and install a 24-hour surveillance system to prevent vandalism at the location. Visitors to Statesboro can be seen on an almost daily basis at the monument taking photos. It is a stop on the walking tours in the downtown area. The monument should remain where it is.
Michael A. Mull
Ogeechee Rifles Camp #941
Statesboro