LETTERS: Council reminded to work for the people years ago
To the Editor:
A vibrant campaign for two city council positions were waged for five hopefuls culminating with Bill Holdeman and Steve Smith winning the two seats.
It was interesting to watch one newcomer to the city of Marion and one lifelong resident and incumbent unravel their strategy for the positions. The people who are concerned with the future of Marion and how their tax dollars are spent have once again picked the two whom they trust for this leadership.
Two years ago a new council was organized because people wanted to see a new face in city leadership. A year later the people voted in a new mayor to embolden the strength of the council to accomplish the people's demands.
Bill Holdeman is the only councilman who has not softened on the principles of his campaign promises.
The people are those who take voting seriously because this is the only constitutional power they have over the outcome of their lives. Most don't have the influence of money or social standing. The people speak through the representatives they put in office.
To put it bluntly, if you councilmen don't want to work for the good of the people of Marion, step aside for someone who will.
The voters have asked for the city administrator and the city economic developer to be replaced with persons with the expertise in these two city positions. The present office holders of these two positions are fine people in their own right but are both self-taught and limited in what they can offer.
The city council looks to a city administrator for guidance. The city administrator should have at least a public administration degree to be an effective adviser to the city council. The city pays salary and benefits that would entice the qualified persons.
The growth of Marion this far has only been from natural economic and societal development.
The council should be more aware of basic city organizational structure. The planning and zoning council for example should be utilized to insure a cohesive growth pattern. Turf wars do not grow a city.
Leadership starts at the top. The top is the mayor and the city council.
Mr. Smith, stick to your principles and what you have promised to do for the people of Marion. Holdeman is doing this already.
You others are asked to think back to what your principles were when taking office. Are you all doing the will of the people?
L. Edward Davies, chairman
Citizens for an
Informed Government
