More may be better
Marion City Commission was given an opportunity Monday to expand representation on the city commission.
Commission members voiced their concerns that there may not be additional people interested in serving on the commission. They might be surprised.
One way to encourage different people to consider serving on the commission, or should I say council, would be to divide the city into wards.
This would designate a specific area, perhaps north and south of Main Street, to offer citizens the opportunities to serve their community.
There are people interested in serving but need a little nudge or reason to throw their hats in the ring and risk public scrutiny.
One commissioner said he doubted if it would make any difference if the commission went from three to five members.
By expanding the commission and allowing more representation, residents may begin to believe their opinions do matter and when issues come before the council, more sides are considered.
It also would take three of the four members (mayor would vote to break ties) to pass motions.
If this were put to a public vote, and the public decided not to expand the number, that's fine. The public has spoken.
However, that's the point of expanding the commission — to include more public input, ideas, and commitments to projects and plans.
— SUSAN BERG
