On Tuesday, 12 October, an extraordinary session of the City Council was held. The reason for convening the meeting was a request from the Bolesławiec County Council to name the square on Karola Miarki Street in Bolesławiec after Fr Władysław Rączka. – As chairman of the County Council, I prepared the wording of this request. All councillors present at the session signed it – said Karol Stasik. – The prelate was so widely respected that the request met with no opposition.
During Tuesday’s City Council session, Cezariusz Rudyk of Civic Platform spoke. – We will, of course, vote in favour of this resolution. However, in the opinion of the Civic Platform councillors’ group, it would make more sense to name institutions after such important figures, for example hospices, hospitals or social welfare homes – the councillor said. – That would be a more dignified way of settling the matter.
– That is precisely what may be controversial – said Janina Piestrak-Babiczuk. – I do not know whether the late priest would have wanted a hospice to bear his name.
The discussion was joined by Bogusław Nowak, an unaffiliated councillor: – Fr Rączka died on 8 June [ub.r. – przyp. red.]. Why are we making such a decision now, a month before the elections? Mr Mayor, out of respect, certain names and figures should not be used for political games...
The councillors began shouting over one another. At one point, Jarosław Kowalski (Bolesławiec XXI) called for a break, then ostentatiously left the room.
Despite the controversy, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution naming the square on Karola Miarki Street after Prelate Władysław Rączka.
(ii information)