Burbank Not Bound to Buy Sculpture, It’s Told
Burbank does not have a legal obligation to purchase a controversial monument to war veterans commissioned by Mayor Michael R. Hastings, according to City Atty. Douglas C. Holland.
Holland said a formal contract with sculptor Erwin Binder had not been completed for “Requiem,” an abstract piece that has been criticized by City Council members.
Hastings said Wednesday that the city had a “moral obligation” to acquire the sculpture and that he would continue with arrangements for a benefit dinner to raise funds to purchase it.
Entertainer Bob Hope has told Hastings that he will finance a dinner at the Lakeside Country Club on Feb. 18 to help raise funds for the sculpture, which may cost the city as much as $50,000.
Councilman Robert R. Bowne said he felt a committee of veterans should determine the form of the monument. The monument should then be approved by the council after being evaluated by city staff members, he said.
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