A Butler County appointed mediator has offered a solution to the raging debate on the World War II memorial in Diamond Park, but it may not end the battle.

A group of former Merchant Marines demand a separate plaque honoring their contributions during the war, but they are opposed by the private committee that built the monument.

The county on Tuesday released a report written by George Force, a retired political science professor, that lists what should be done to give the Merchant Marines proper recognition.

Force stated the mariners should not receive a separate plaque. However, he said the existing plaque listing the mariners along with nearly 30 other military-related services should be moved from the back of the monument to the front.

In addition to relocating the plaque, Force made four other recommendations:

• Another plaque detailing information about the memorial's design and symbols used should be placed on the rear of the monument

• Make no alterations to the marble face of the monument, such as an engraving of the mariners' symbol that was suggested by one mariner

• Improve public access to the memorial by removing artificial barriers around the monument

• The county should pay for these changes

County Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said this morning the recommendations need to be discussed with both sides before anything is done.

"We need to digest it," he said.