Subject: To Michael Lash
To: culture@cityofchicago.org
Michael Lash
Director, Chicago Public Art Program
Dear Mr. Lash,
My name is Jeffrey Atto and I am an Assyrian-Chaldean American. Over
the past few years, I have been following the progress of the Sumuramat
(Shimirum) monument, sculpted by Mr. Fred Parhad, which has long since
been completed. I was shocked to learn that the monument was offered to
the city of Chicago as a gift on behalf of the Assyrian community,
twice, but its installation was hindered because of the objections of
one man. That man, John Nimrod, threatened to sue the city of Chicago
if the installation of the Shimirum monument proceeded, and it was
halted.
There are many in our community who would love to see the Sumuramat
monument installed in Chicago, and I do not believe that the objections
of one man outweigh the will of the people. Furthermore, this man, Mr.
Nimrod is not authorized to speak on behalf of our community in any
capacity. I would appreciate it if you could tell me if there is
anything that our community can do to show you that we want the monument
installed. Would a petition or a letter writing campaign suffice?
Please contact me at your convenience, by mailing me (electronically, or
otherwise). Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Atto
(address omitted)
jeffatto@bhamwebdesign.com