County great again?

To the editor:

After attending the Marion County commissioners’ budget meeting June 2, I am convinced the county has nothing to offer except higher taxes, more spending, declining population, no incentive for building new industry, and an increase in the riff-raff that our local officials say they do not want and therefore use as an excuse for turning away businesses.

Why is there a need for five county commissioners when three were sufficient?

Why is there a need for a county administrator? Is that what the people wanted?

A declining county population doesn’t seem to warrant the need for extravagant spending by increasing the county workforce and all the niceties they would like.

Perhaps the county would be better served by teams of commonsense innovative thinkers from each of the county’s communities brainstorming ideas for bringing in new industry and creating revenue.

Spending without revenue to offset it is ludicrous.

There is so much more potential than what is being offered. Four highways passing through the county offer the opportunity for business development, such as a buffet-style restaurant.

Since the county lake seems to be an attraction for many, why not expand the bait shop with additional fishing, camping, and a freezer stocked with ice cream bars and luncheon meats, etc.

An equestrian campground could be developed to bring in additional revenue.

The ideas are boundless if the right, competent people are willing to work together for the betterment of the county.

It will require an attitude adjustment and an end to the rivalry between Marion and Hillsboro.

Marion County can be great again.

Arlene Stika
Lincolnville