Historic 'Ran' Sculpture Weathers Threat for Now

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday decided not to tear down the 'Ran' sculpture Civic League Park for now.

As previously reported, on May 3, the council had an item on the consent agenda addressing the 'Ran' sculpture and its structural integrity. For the original article see: WATCH: City to Tear Down Iconic Sculpture Despite No Ties to the Confederacy

Check out the video below of the sculpture:

During the meeting the item was pulled from the consent agenda. Council members discussed whether to remove the sculpture because of weather damage or leave it up. 

Council members came to an agreement early on that it was time for the sculpture to go but the question that made things complicated was brought up by Mayor Brenda Gunter.

"We have nothing to replace it with?" questioned Mayor Gunter.

She then went onto to discuss ideas such as applying anti-rusting spray, replacing the statue, or have an artist redesign the structure. Ultimately they came to the decision to add structural support while the council gets ideas for the future.

One councilman, Harry Thomas, disagreed with Mayor Gunter by pushing for the city to go ahead and remove the sculpture before something bad happened.

"I don't disagree with what's been said," said Councilman Thomas. "My concern is that we got a lot of people in that area and with the condition of it I don't want to see another piece fall off and someone get hurt."

Watch the back and forth below:

Despite the back and forth, Mayor Gunter made a motion to deny the removal of the sculpture. The motion was passed 5-1 with Thomas the only nay vote.