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	Crockett Hopes Renaming Bridge Will Let All Move on By Patsy Garside Kennebec Journal August 5, 2008 http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/view/columns/5254889.html As the state representative for District 57, which is part of Augusta, I have been reading the editorials and stories in the Kennebec Journal concerning the renaming of the Father Curran Bridge in Augusta. The first story, printed May 24, said that advocates for victims of sexual abuse by priests had asked the Calumet Club and the University of Maine at Augusta to change the name on their Father Curran scholarships because it was offensive to victims of sexual abuse. At that time, I felt the name of the Father Curran Bridge should also be changed and submitted legislation to do that on May 27. On May 29, an editorial in the Kennebec Journal said it would be a statement of respect and apology for those abused by Curran to have his name removed from public structures. Since all bridges in Maine are named by the state Legislature, which will not be in session until January, no other action can be taken until that time. I know how I feel about changing the name, but, as a responsible elected official, I also know it is up to me to find out the facts and to hear how the citizens I represent feel about this issue. I have spoken with many members of the community and I have learned about the many good things that Father Curran did for this community. Most people, however, agree that we can no longer ignore the accusation of abuse that has been corroborated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. I contacted the diocese and was informed that it is evident that Father Curran inflicted much harm to some of the most vulnerable among us. The diocese assured me it would not oppose changing the name of the bridge. On June 17, I sent a letter to Mayor Roger Katz and all members of the Augusta City Council asking for their input on the issue of the renaming of the bridge. I also contacted the president of the Calumet Club, who delivered to me a letter stating that the club would support the removal of Father Curran's name from anything celebrating his life and achievements. I want to make sure that no one must suffer further from the abuse they have endured. I feel that it is important to remove the name from the bridge, but I also feel there is nothing to be gained from rehashing the allegations. I hope with the change of the name of the bridge we can move on and not have this issue come up again every few years. I cannot imagine what this must be like for the survivors of sexual abuse and their families. We need to change the name so that all victims of abuse will know that no one in this community wants to honor anyone associated with this crime. If I am re-elected in November, I will follow through with my bill request and the bill will be assigned to a committee, have a public hearing and a work session and then be voted on by the committee. The bill will then be sent to the full Legislature for a vote and, assuming it passes both the House and Senate, finally must be signed by Gov. John Baldacci. I encourage the citizens of Augusta and throughout Maine who feel strongly about this issue to come and testify at the public hearing and make their voices heard throughout the legislative process. This issue must be addressed and I feel I have been able to start the process to address it. Rep. Patsy Garside Crockett is a life-long Augusta resident finishing her first term as a Democrat representing District 57, which is part of Augusta.
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