By Jeff Skrzypek

EUGENE, Ore. -- Mayor Kitty Piercy and the Papé family is speaking out about the controversy that's surrounding the renaming proposition of the Beltline Highway to "The Randy Papé Beltway."

Consternation is one way to describe the reaction to Governor Kulongoski's recent decision to re-name the Beltline to "The Randy Papé Beltway." Hundreds of names on Facebook denounce the idea, and a lot of the criticism focuses on the cost to make new signs, which could total near $250,000.

Wednesday the Papé family was on hand at Sacred Heart Hospital at Riverbend to announce the endowment of a chair in the name of Dr. David DeHaas, who was Randy Papé's cancer specialist.

Randy Papé's son, Ryan Papé, said his family is honored by Governor Kulongoski's idea and hopes more local people can be honored.

"Whether it's an educator, or an artist," said Ryan Papé, "I hope we can honor more people around the community, this should be the tip of the iceberg."

Mayor Kitty Piercy also spoke out about the sign renaming controversy at an unrelated LCC meeting. She said she's asked the Oregon Transportation Commission to phase in the name when signs are replaced. Piercy also proposed another solution that would retro-fit the signs instead of changing the entire name.

"I've also asked them to consider maybe calling it the Papé Beltline so you don't actually change it to a beltway," said Piercy.

Mayor Piercy said she understands the public's frustration with the cost of the project. But she said either way, the general funding is set aside for transportation uses, and that is what it will go toward.