Article in "The World" newspaper, out of Coos Bay, Oregon. "Clatsop cannon to be restored." Astoria: The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will allow a group of "history-minded" volunteers to remove and restore the historic cannon in front of the courthouse. Time, elements, and vandals have tarnished the landmark. Rust has set in where paint has flaked off, fixtures have been cracked, bent or broken off, and several spokes from one of the wheels are gone. Commissioners decided that the dilapidated landmark reflected poorly on Clatsop County, but recognized that restoring old cannons is low on the list of the county's spending priorities. "They decided to take on the task of organizing a restoration campaign themselves, relying on volunteers and donations"
This should be a benchmark for a government organization to step up to. Define the problem, admit the drawbacks, (lack of funding), and let folks get er' dun! Boomlover