To the editor:

Those of us poets in this community deal in symbolism and know it’s power. It evokes strong emotions and guides our decisions, even when we are unaware. We all know what a Confederate flag evokes, or what the Statue of Liberty prompts in us the first time we see it.

I was terrified that a wrongheaded decision might be made Tuesday evening on the location of City Hall. No one has explained it better than former City Commissioner Bob Schumm in a previous letter, when he enumerated all the reasons for City Hall to stay anchored to the bottom of Massachusetts Street in our extraordinary downtown. He gave an expert financial and practical blueprint and outlined how to find extra space to accommodate staff.

But beyond the common sense issue, think of the symbolism of moving City Hall to a hideaway hilltop far from downtown? Intentional or not, it says we don’t care about our citizens. We want to do our business out of your view. We want to make it hard for you to get to us. Oh, you could say the move was purely financial, but actually the cost of renovation of either site was not that different, and may indeed be the same once it went over budget, as many renovations do. You don’t like the building? Tear it down and build a new one; there is nothing sacred about its design, but its placement is in a sense “sacred.” It says: Welcome all. Come enjoy our magnificent Massachusetts Street, with its businesses, cafes, bookstores and art galleries. And you are welcome to participate in our city government; it is what we do here.

Elizabeth Black,

Lawrence