It’s happening already. Marion Mayor Mary Olson announced at the Marion County Economic Development Council meeting Dec. 15 the city would probably cut the economic development position. When the county board members were discussing development professionals meeting on a regular basis, Marion was left out of the mix — already — even before the official decision has even been made.

Public perception is powerful.

If the perception of residents — county and city — is that development is not the top priority of this community, then we’re in trouble.

What do you think will happen when people understand Marion is not pro-development and two cities — 10 and 15 miles from here — are?

If some think development activity is slow now, wait until public perception believes there is no one on the city level to address development issues.

I know there are plans in the works to revamp the development position but I don’t think we can wait six or nine months or whenever the city council decides what the position will be and who will fill it. Something needs to be done in the coming months.

I know newly appointed city administrator Doug Kjellin will do his best to field calls and take care of development needs but he’s going to have his hands full managing the city. He needs to be given an opportunity to get settled and figure out the best course for the city.

We want Kjellin to do a good job for us as city administrator. That is his top priority. But if he is expected to lead economic development efforts, along with executing city administrator duties, something is going to suffer. That’s how that works.

We need Kjellin to be successful as city administrator. We need him to be able to plan, set goals, and determine leadership roles. These are important for the future of this community.

We also need someone in a development role to be successful, to visit with businesses on a regular basis to address their needs and to field calls from interested developers.

One person cannot fill both positions.

Hillsboro has someone in a position to work with the private development corporation and the city. Peabody has someone in a similar position — working with the city and the Main Street association.

Marion’s developer role was working with Marion Economic Development Inc. and the city. MEDI is alive and going strong but cannot do what a paid professional does.

There still needs to be a face with Marion development — someone prospective developers can consistently work with.

If we keep changing the game and the players, it sends a message to prospective businesses or projects that we’re not ready for them, which would discourage them from pursuing anything in our community.

Figuring this out must be a top priority in the coming weeks. Thoughtful consideration must be given so the best decision can be made.

The council may see this as an opportunity to save money and there might be a way to save money but not at the expense of economic development.

— susan berg