letters

to the editor

Election concern

To the editor:

The most recent issue of the Marion County Record contained a front-page reminder that candidates for city council positions held by Jerry Dieter and Melissa Mermis need to file with county election officials by noon on Tuesday.

John Wheeler has filed and is to be commended for his willingness to serve if elected April 1. I encourage other citizens to follow John’s lead and file.

My concern is that should no other person file, anyone could write in his/her name on the ballot, check the appropriate box, and be elected to council.

With chaos in both federal and state governments, local government is the only opportunity left for citizens to have a voice in how we are governed. In a city of our size surely at least two people are interested enough in the future of Marion to file for each of the vacant seats.

As for Mr. Adkins’ impending vacant seat, I believe the law permits only a councilperson to decide when to resign. Furthermore, I believe the law states that unexpired terms are filled by appointment by the council.

If such is the law, then the law should be followed. Individuals and/or organizations cannot pick and choose which laws are to be followed and which are to be ignored.

For those tempted to ask why I don’t file for one of the vacated seats, may I remind everyone that I did so several years ago and was soundly defeated.

Gerald Henderson
Marion