Editorial: Don't wait five years to change name

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2003

The Arizona Daily Star in an editorial today says there is no reason why Squaw Peak shouldn't be changed to Piestewa Peak in honor of Lori Piestewa, the Hopi woman killed in action in Iraq.

The paper criticizes opponents who accuse Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) of "politicizing" Piestewa's death. "[I]t is the opposition that seems to be practicing the political demagoguery," the paper responds.

The paper also says the name can be changed now, in reference to state and federal rules governing geographic names for deceased individuals. "We note that the five-year waiting period is not a law. Rather it is a policy. As such, it can be waived."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Honor Piestewa (The Arizona Daily Star 4/17)
Republic Message Board: Should we call it Piestewa Peak? (The Arizona Republic)

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