La Conner resident urges removal of DAR name from Gilkey Square planter

Don Pinfelton, a La Conner resident, told the town council during public comment that the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) designation on a Gilkey Square planter is offensive and urged the council to act.

"I think it's offensive," Pinfelton said, asking the council either to rescind its earlier decision recognizing the DAR planter or to remove the organization’s name. He handed out examples and court cases in a written packet, saying the information was not available to the council when the original decision was made and might have led to a different outcome.

The council discussed options including asking the DAR to postpone planting so current flowers remain visible, designating the planter as public space for multiple groups to use, reviewing the vetting process that led to the installation, and setting a firm removal date if removal is ordered. One council member said late‑date removal raised First Amendment concerns, calling an after‑the‑fact removal "a violation of free speech"; another member urged a deeper review of how the decision was approved and requested staff gather more documentation.

Council members and staff asked the parks commission and the DAR for information on the planter’s dimensions, approval records and the timeline for when the DAR expected to plant. Councilors said they want to avoid abrupt censorship but acknowledged the complaint merits a clearer review process and a date certain for when the temporary display should come down if that is the council’s decision.

The council did not take a formal vote on the request at the meeting; members directed follow‑up to collect the historical materials and to work with Parks staff to determine options and a specific timeline.