Let's go to work
If the numbers at the polls are any indication, it appears Marion is ready for a change in leadership. In a 350-172 decision, voters elected Mary Olson over incumbent mayor Martin Tice.
In front of a packed house Monday evening, Olson was sworn-in as Marion's mayor. She took the oath of office, assumed her seat in the center ring, and proceeded to dispense with the lengthy agenda.
With each item of business, Olson listened attentively, asked questions, and asked for more time to study the issue if needed.
Olson hasn't wasted any time since the polls closed more than a week ago. She has been out and about, talking with her constituents, visiting city workers, and meeting with city officials to begin the process of learning how the City of Marion operates.
She comes to the position with experience, not only as a former mayor of Lincolnville, but as a former school teacher. She knows something about running a city and she knows something about keeping people on-task. She also knows the value of education.
She'll have her work cut out for her as she tackles tough city issues such as truck parking, taxes, streets, and the myriad details of pushing Marion into a positive, bright future.
While she's doing all these things, it would be nice if all those folks in Monday night's audience kept supporting her by showing up at every city council meeting, taking an active part in the future of Marion, and making a unified effort to make Marion a great place to live.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
