From the mayor
By MARY OLSON
Mayor, City of Marion
Marion is entering 2008 with many positive signs of economic growth. As mayor, I have opportunities to give this message to others. I hope everyone who lives in Marion will spread this message, as well.
What the new year will bring, we cannot predict with any certainty.
In an agricultural community, weather plays an important predictor of what may be in store for our farmer friends. When our farmers prosper, Marion shares in their fortune.
Marion was able to escape Mother Nature's wrath of wind, ice, and floods that brought disaster to the economy throughout the state.
These disasters have brought communities closer together. In Marion, I have learned more about the emergency disaster plans that are in place. They are being reviewed for ways to improve them.
Housing
Talking with Realtors should convince anyone in the market for a new home, there is something to offer to all.
I was in Topeka Jan. 24 with other city officials. Reports given by members of the legislature were positive for communities that suffered great losses due to weather. Proposed bills may allow funding for their recovery projects very soon. However, it may take three years before funds are available to other cities like Marion. The same seemed true with other bills being considered for business expansion and rebuilding. We all know the affected communities will have the help to recover.
We are so fortunate to have the medical staff, clinics, and well-equipped hospital in Marion. There is little reason to travel far for health care.
The school system has long been known for producing graduates ready to continue their education or enter the work force.
The new facilities that have been built and soon will be available for use should make any person from other communities envious.
The city and school officials are working together to see how they can best construct these facilities so they will include most of the ideas wanted when the bond issue was passed. We are aware of changes in what was promised, but I hope everyone with concerns will talk to officials who can give facts about what has happened and what still is to be decided.
I believe every person in the city has to become involved in some way for the economy of the city to grow. The results of each person spending $5 a month in a local business for products that might have been purchased in another city would add five times 2,000 or $10,000 a month. I don't think this is unreasonable.
In general, we usually think revenue in the city coffers should be used to maintain the infrastructure of the city, provide utility service without major interruption, provide recreational facilities, police and fire protection, and pay for a city staff to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city. From what I see and hear, I think the staff has been successful in doing this.
But, without a doubt, with the purchase of the industrial park and the hiring of a full-time economic director, economic development has become a topic the residents and council have become involved in a major way. The city is considering a new board to give direction in the economic developer search.
All the candidates in the past two elections included the topic in their campaigns, as did I. The upcoming primary election is very important. There is little time before the Feb. 26 primary election for voters to become well-informed as to what the five candidates are proposing unless everyone goes out of their way to become informed.
In the future, I will continue to try to keep you informed and listen to your concerns, but remember, city council meetings are open to you to come and listen and give your input.
