Things have been strange on the city front for some time and they’re getting stranger all the time.

There was a verbal altercation between a city council member and a Marion resident after the special council meeting March 12 but further investigation indicated the event had nothing to do with city business, so we didn’t pursue it any farther.

And then there is the usual confusion and bickering that has left Marion seeming more like a dysfunctional family than an inviting home for people and businesses.

On Tuesday, we’re going to decide who will be mayor and choose two new council members.

A number of years ago, which seems like an eternity, this community wanted more representation and decided to expand the three-member commission to a five-member council. Like any group of individuals, there will be spats and conflicts. But this has been ongoing with little resolution for the past several years.

How much longer are we going to put up with this?

It’s time for Marion to put up or shut up.

Do we want a unified direction for the future? Yes, and we hope the results of this election will result in a more unified council.

Marion voters have an opportunity to make a major impact on their community in Tuesday’s election.

Even though some of us are sick and tired of the whole sordid mess, the worst thing we could do would be to not vote.

Who knows what the “winning” combination of harmony may be on the council and that needs to be a consideration.

We all want the same things.

We want growth.

We want vitality.

We want happiness.

And probably most of all we want peace — peace of mind and a peaceful coexistence.

So, whatever happens Tuesday and whomever we elect or re-elect, let’s start anew and work together for the common good of this community.

But the first step in this process is to get out and vote.

— susan berg