It's the first thing visitors see on their way into the city of Elmira, but a welcome sign featuring famous people of Elmira's past is now raising controversy. Reporter Matt Jarchow explains why some residents see one figure as bad news for the city, and why others disagree.
ELMIRA, N.Y. -- It's a sign full of Elmira's famous faces.
Figures range from Mark Twain, to Ernie Davis, Tommy Hilfiger, and one face some Elmira residents said no longer belongs. Elmira's mayor said she's received around a dozen calls asking for Brian Williams to be removed from the city's welcome sign, but residents we spoke to were showing support to the famous native son.
"I wish him well,” Elmira resident Bruce Dedominick said. “I hope they keep his picture on the sign because he was from this area."
"He's still a big part of Elmira,” said Horseheads resident Amy Miles. “He's from here. If Mark Twain made a mistake he could still be up there. There's nothing wrong with that."
A sentiment shared by the people, who are ready to forgive the man who lived in the city as a boy.
"Everyone makes mistakes,” Dedominick said. “There's no reason we can't (forgive)."
"He's a human just like everybody else,” Miles said. “You can't judge him on that. Everybody makes mistakes, they're human."
The mayor said removing Williams would leave a hole in the sign and a decision of whether to leave it or replace him. Visitors think the ultimate decision should consider the city, not Williams.
"It's about promoting the city,” Saratoga Springs Resident Francoise Thomas said about the sign. “It's not about promoting Brian or anybody else. And if you find somebody that promotes the city better, then promote the city."
The mayor said no decision will be made on the sign until after William's suspension is over. For now, the man who was welcomed into homes across America will continue to welcome visitors to his hometown city.
Williams lived in Elmira as a child before he and his family moved to New Jersey. He lived on the same street as the sign now showing his image. He has also received an honorary doctorate degree from Elmira College.