Mayor outraged over cemetery vandalism

By Kirk Starratt

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

Kentville Mayor Dave Corkum says he is outraged over ongoing vandalism to Oakgrove Cemetery and says changes to the Young Offenders Act might help curb such unacceptable behaviour.

Although it isn’t clear exactly when the most recent act of vandalism took place, it was discovered prior to Tuesday, Oct. 2 that 30 more stones have been toppled or smashed. Corkum said this brings to light once again the blatant disregard on the part of some individuals for the families of those resting in the cemetery, property in general and the history and heritage of the town. The last major instance in 2006 involved young offenders.

Located on Main Street in the east end of town, Corkum said vandals have routinely targeted the cemetery in recent years, resulting in thousands and thousands of dollars in damages. The old stones are irreplaceable and when broken or chipped, Corkum said the damage could be irreversible. It’s often left to volunteers to deal with the destruction as best they can.

The same cemetery was recently the subject of positive local, national and international media attention after mysterious genealogical messages appeared there and in other Kings County cemeteries.

Kings Historical Society President Maynard Stevens said he doesn’t understand why anyone would show such a total lack of respect for an individual’s final resting place. Thankfully, there are records of the graves in Oak Grove, but that provides little comfort considering that irreplaceable historical records such as gravestones have been lost. The society has been working hard to promote the significance of cemeteries.

“We try to point out the historical significance of graveyards and then something like this happens,” Stevens said. “It’s sad.”

Mindless vandalism

Corkum said the sheer mindlessness of this type of vandalism raises several questions. He wonders where the fun and adventure is in tipping gravestones, smashing Pumpkin People or spray-painting profanities on the side of a building.

He wonders how this thoughtless behaviour affects the community and whether it’s a sign of a larger social problem or just kids showing off to their friends.

“Why do many of our young people seem to lack a sense of right and wrong? Where are their values?” Corkum said. “As Mayor of Kentville, I find myself angry and disappointed.”

Ironically, he said, council spent part of last November’s regular monthly session discussing the inappropriate behaviour of many young people and how this is being handled by the judicial system, society in general and their own families.

“We came to the conclusion that parents need to take responsibility and those with children under the age of 18 years old should assume financial responsibility for damages caused as a result of the misbehaviour of children,” Corkum said. “In fact, council even sent a letter to the Justice Minister urging for changes in legislation.”

When it comes to young offenders, Corkum said police are almost working with one hand tied behind their back. When it comes to cases where adults are the cause, Corkum wonders if there should be harsher penalties.

He suggests that maybe it’s time for citizens to share their ideas on how families can encourage appropriate behaviour and a sense of community pride in their children.

“Maybe we need to hold a forum to talk about what steps are needed to make Kentville a safer place to live and play, and to become a town which is free of graffiti and vandalism damage,” Corkum said. “Perhaps together we can answer some of these questions.”