Gig Harbor Mayor Responds To Nativity Display Controversy

GIG HARBOR, WA - Mayor Jill Guernsey released a statement Monday explaining why the city did not erect a nativity scene in Donkey Creek Park this year after it had done so during the last few Christmas seasons.

Gig Harbor received a letter from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation before the beginning of the season saying that it would sue if the city put a religious display on public property. The city decided to forgo the nativity in the park this year to avoid a legal battle.

But two local men who have been erecting the nativity scene in Donkey Creek Park since 2008 are upset about the decision.

"Some have suggested we not be concerned about a possible lawsuit against the city," Guernsey wrote on her city webpage Monday. "We agree this is an important issue and we do not like the prospect of having an organization from out of state telling us what we can or cannot do. However, we would likely be spending thousands of taxpayer dollars defending a lawsuit about a private display."

Guernsey said that she has encouraged Gig Harbor residents John Skansi and Jim Franich, the men behind the nativity, to put their display up for private property for now.

Karen Scott, the city's tourism and communications director, said that residents have been contacting the city officials by phone and in person about the nativity.

However, there may be hope for future Christmases. Guernsey said Monday that the city may explore a permitting process for such displays.

"Our lawyers advised that if we allow such displays we should first adopt a permit system so that all would be aware of what is permitted and that all kinds of displays would be allowed. We plan to have a public meeting after the first of the year and take public input about such displays and to consider a permitting process," she wrote.

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