Be heard!
Another year is about come to an end. And what has been accomplished by the Marion community?
Some businesses have opened, some have closed, and some have changed ownership. A spec building is being planned by the city at the industrial park. Viable programs are available for those who purchase newly-built homes and business owners in need of additional funds to maintain their businesses.
What was lacking in this community this past year has been a clear vision.
It's easy to become sedentary and let the world tell us what we need to do. Reactionary behavior is required to at least keep the status quo but does not result in growth.
Other communities around us have visions, goals, and plans for the next five years, 10, 20, etc. What are ours?
Some community leaders want the downtown revitalized. Others want street and electrical improvements made. And the list goes on and on with some plans being made but few goals being set.
A successful community is one with a unified vision, clear goals, and an action plan to make it happen. Typically the action plan is the city's comprehensive or strategic plan.
The city is required by state statute to maintain and update a comprehensive plan that supports its zoning regulations. When the city begins that process, it is important for citizens to become involved instead of a group of paid employees and/or elected officials determining the future of this community.
How else will the council and city leaders know what is in the best interest of the community if it is not expressed to them?
All of us have a vested interest in this community. We should care about the future, and our thoughts and suggestions should be given serious consideration by elected officials.
Besides, it should not be up to a handful people to determine the fate of a community of 2,000 people.
