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Free advice

April 1 has come and gone and we have two new city council members. As I waited in line to vote Tuesday, I thought about the other people there. We all were there to do our civic duty, to elect common, ordinary people like us to lead the city of Marion toward a bright future.

I don't envy these new council members. They have a tough road ahead. They are being entrusted with the job of being leaders for the community, making decisions that will impact everyone who lives here, and being asked to put aside their own personal agendas to work for the common good.

Noble ambitions.

Not to mention they will be under the magnifying glass of the general public, draw criticism from constituents, be quoted in news coverage of city council meetings, and commented upon on this page.

Granted, I have absolutely no experience serving on a city council. But I have been around long enough to see how good, well-meaning individuals get elected to councils and commissions then lose their focus and forget the reason they were elected in the first place. It happens time and again.

So, here is some advice to new city council members. And it might not be a bad idea for the current council members to be reminded of these things, as well.

— First and foremost, remember that you serve the common good. You were elected to represent the citizens of Marion — and that means all citizens. Do not let a "vocal minority" sway your goal of making decisions that will be for the benefit of the entire community.

— Along those same lines — be open-minded. Listen to your constituents. We elected you, but we also can get rid of you.

— No hidden agendas. There are enough problems and issues here in Marion without adding secrets and innuendoes to every action. The world is full of distrustful people — we don't need those kind of people on our city council.

— There has been a lot of talk about "open government" and "open meetings." If you don't know what KOMA and KORA mean, get educated. Conduct government business in the public. We expect that and we will be watching.

— Don't be naïve. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Just because one guy says "that's the way it's always been" doesn't mean it has to stay that way.

— Furthermore, don't be a "bobble head." Do your homework. Be prepared for meetings. Know the issues.

And speaking of issues, one of the first things you will deal with will be filling the economic development position. Right now, there seems to be a lot of confusion about Marion Economic Development Inc. and its relationship with the city of Marion.

It seems a reasonable expectation to draft a memorandum of understanding between the two groups before proceeding with any other projects — including hiring a new economic development director.

Decide what is expected of each group. Get it down in writing. Dot the i's and cross the t's. Then stick by it.

— And finally, be professional. Running a city is a serious business. Represent us — the citizens who elected you — in a calm, courteous, professional manner.

So, there you have it, a few suggestions — take 'em or leave 'em. Good luck. Oh, and congratulations.

— DONNA BERNHARDT

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