Willys Peck, a regular columnist for this newspaper, is certainly worthy enough and deserving of such recognition. He's published a book on the history of libraries in Saratoga, he serves on the Heritage Preservation Commission and he's regarded to be the city's unofficial historian.

The commission does not dispute Peck's worthiness for such an honor and is well aware of his contribution's to the city. But the position of commission members is that bestowing such an honor would set a precedent, and therefore would require them to recognize others similarly when a request is made.

Well, that's a reason, just not a very good one. Willys Peck is clearly a worthy candidate for such a gesture. The commission could certainly deal with such issues one a case by case basis. Members need to show the courage to make those decisions when they arise, not just make a blanket decision to accept no such requests just to save themselves the burden of making a decision. That sort of courage is called leadership.

The matter will go on to the Saratoga City Council for further discussion. We're confident that Mayor Nick Streit and the other Saratoga council members have the courage to make the correct decision and bestow on Willys Peck this honor that he so richly deserves.