Vinton prefers no hometown tribute

Singer Bobby Vinton has squelched plans for a tribute to him in his hometown of Canonsburg, Pa.

A group led by borough Councilwoman Jean Popp, who graduated from Canonsburg High School with Vinton in 1952, had hoped to raise $100,000 -- $70,000 for the statue and another $30,000 to publicize its dedication, including banquets, printed materials and souvenirs.

But the 69-year-old Vinton, a ‘60s pop idol perhaps best known for the love song “Roses Are Red,” e-mailed borough manager Terry Hazlett to say he wouldn’t support the effort.

“I feel that a tribute of this magnitude, with all that is going on in the world, and to ask the community to raise $100,000, is inappropriate,” Vinton wrote. He also called the honor “premature” because he hasn’t retired.