Mayor responds

Olson ‘regrets’ outcome

(Editor’s Note: The Record asked Mayor Mary Olson to respond to the statement presented by Brad Seacat. Here was her response.)

The basis for Brad Seacat’s allegations is and was unfounded. My intent is and always will be to have the best financial well being for all businesses in the city. As mayor of Marion, the retention of all businesses is very important to me.

I went to Seacat Do it Best March 11 after (then-city administrator) David Mayfield told me that Brad Seacat wanted to talk to me. I told Seacat that I had asked a question and had not specifically instructed Mayfield to talk to them. Anita Seacat interrupted by saying they weren’t going to say anything to me at that time. I made the purchase I had wanted and left the store.

I was never informed I needed to apologize but I regret the city was put into an unfriendly position for recruiting new business because of the allegations.

I hope we can all move forward from this unfortunate incident.