Allegheny County council president wants Columbus statue to remain

Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena on Tuesday called on local leaders to reconsider removing a controversial statue of Christopher Columbus from Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park.

Last week, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto echoed the recommendation of the Pittsburgh Art Commission to remove the statue. He directed the statue be displayed on private property, though a location has not been determined.

In a statement Tuesday, Catena asked for the reconsideration of taking down the statue.

“It is obvious that Christopher Columbus did and believed many things during his time that we as a society find reprehensible,” Catena said. “However, we also need to understand and recognize the place he has in our nation’s history and personally my heritage. We, as people, evolve over time and learn from our past mistakes, but that should not mean that we need to erase or rewrite our history books.”

Catena urged officials to consider “placing the statue in a different area where the good that Christopher Columbus did can be recognized and celebrated by those of Italian descent, like myself.”

Kenneth Varhola, a spokesperson for Catena, clarified that Catena would support either leaving the statue in its current location or moving it elsewhere.

Catena’s words probably won’t influence the city’s decision.

“By law, all works of public art in the city are overseen and controlled by the city’s Art Commission,” Tim McNulty, a spokesman for the mayor’s office, said Tuesday.

The statue has been the topic of heated debate. Some, including members of Pittsburgh’s Italian American community and the national Italian Sons and Daughters of America, vocalized support for the statue as an symbol of their heritage.

Others argue that Columbus’ legacy included what many consider genocide of indigenous people and argued the statue should be removed.

On Columbus Day, supporters of the statue held a small protest at Schenley Park, advocating for keeping the statue where it is.

The statue was wrapped in plastic over the weekend for protection.