A state committee has reached a consensus on the site for a new memorial honoring groundbreaking legislator Cal Anderson, following the controversial removal of the previous tribute earlier this year. The State Capitol Committee unanimously approved the memorial’s placement on a section of land east of the Sunken Garden, marking a significant step in acknowledging Anderson’s legacy.
This memorial aims to encapsulate Anderson’s thoughtful and collaborative spirit as Washington’s first openly gay legislator, who was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The design includes a semi-circular retaining wall with a designated meditation seating area, as well as a polished granite boulder standing four feet high to symbolize his influential role in shaping a progressive future for the state. The monument is planned to be harmoniously integrated into the landscaped environment, ensuring it respects the aesthetic of the surrounding gardens.
Randy Bolerjack, deputy secretary of state and a member of the committee, expressed relief and satisfaction that the process has moved toward a thoughtful resolution, saying, “There was certainly pain felt in parts of this process, so I’m very happy that has been rectified in such tremendous, thoughtful form.” He emphasized that Anderson’s legacy of kindness and hopefulness would be preserved for future generations through this memorial.
Cal Anderson served in the Washington State Legislature from 1987 until his passing in 1995 due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he developed as a complication of AIDS. Anderson was a committed advocate for civil rights and introduced legislation throughout his career to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, although a landmark bill prohibiting such discrimination was only passed in 2006.
The controversy over the memorial began earlier this year when the original tribute was removed alongside the cutting of a nearby cherry tree. This action led to a considerable outcry from the community, prompting Lt. Gov. Denny Heck to label the event a “desecration,” while Governor Jay Inslee ordered its restoration.
Lawmakers have allocated $75,000 for preliminary design work, which has been entrusted to HBB Landscape Architecture based in Seattle. The fresh design proposals were revealed to the State Capitol Committee, garnering enthusiastic feedback from committee members. “Those renderings… knocked my socks off,” Heck remarked, signifying excitement about the project’s visual potential.
The final designs are expected to take around eight months to complete, paving the way for construction to commence at an estimated cost of $312,000 over a six-month timeframe. This new memorial is not just a tribute; it serves as a permanent reminder of a pivotal leader’s impact and the continuing fight for equality.
In summary, the decision to place Cal Anderson’s memorial in a well-considered location on the Capitol grounds showcases progress and dedication to honoring the ideals and contributions of a significant figure in Washington state’s history. With the help of community input, this tribute aims to both memorialize and inspire future generations to carry forward the values Anderson championed.