By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

It might be time to start over with Marion County Economic Development Council, Marion County Commissioner Dan Holub said Monday. The group worked well for many years because volunteers were happy to help one another’s communities.

“But now it’s political,” Holub said.

Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman resigned her position as MCEDC chairman May 19, because she thinks doing so will reduce squabbling among members. She said she believes in the council’s mission, but she felt like a lightning rod for controversy. At the commission’s request, she will continue to attend MCEDC meetings and receive financial statements.

Burns business owner Sandy Heyman said she thinks MCEDC will suffer without Huffman as chairman.

Holub said some MCEDC members couldn’t hide the glee on their faces when Huffman announced she was resigning from the council. They also looked disappointed when they realized she wasn’t resigning her county position, he said.

Holub said he was furious about all the damage done by months of bickering on the council. Commissioners requested Huffman be the chairman of the council in summer 2009 to provide accountability for taxpayer funds.

Commission Chairman Randy Dallke said he doesn’t want to dictate to MCEDC, but the commission has to watch out for the best interests of Marion County.