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Position defended


To the Editor:

I was just curious if the person that wrote last week's letter had a free pass to override the 300 words or less policy and does that apply to everyone that wants to bash the city or its appointed officers? It looked more like an attack than anything else to me.

I would think someone with a bachelor of science would have done some research of the facts before stating so many untruths. I had also thought the editor would have done some fact searching before allowing such an article to go in print.

From a business that did receive a grant I would like to state the following:

1.) The economic developer does not say who does or does not receive grant money. So she cannot be giving it away "like candy." There is a process that is clearly stated on the application that has to be approved by the grant committee and then pass the city council.

2.) One must submit a business plan to the economic developer and she passes it on to the grant committee.

3.) Only if the committee passes the plan, they pass it on to the city council.

4.) The council votes on it as to if it would be a sound investment for the city's growth.

5.) After grant money is received IF you pass the process you have 30 days to show proof that you spent the received monies as stated in the business plan or you have to pay that money back. You also have to spend that money in the city of Marion if the services or products needed are offered here.

I would like to personally praise the economic developer for her ideas and all the help she gave me in preparing a sound business plan and a special thanks to the grant committee and the city council for believing in my plan enough to help me to make it a reality.

I have no bachelor's in economics but I believe filling a building that was soon to be empty is development of the economy, it was her idea that I do this. I also believe having two other people working and having retail sales is developments of the economy. I believe expanding my business as others are also doing at this time is development of the economy, although I don't have a degree in economics so I may be wrong.

I am a small business and I am thankful that I am in Marion. Good Happens to those who look for it. Please do research, find the facts, and see that business is growing and good is happening right here in Marion because of the efforts of our economic developer, the grant committee, and our city council.

Lisa Wildin

Marion

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