Let the mayor know
Managing editor
Does it matter if a non-Marion resident represents the city on Marion County Economic Development Council?
To Marion Mayor Mary Olson, it only matters if the person is sincerely interested in the betterment of Marion County.
Thus was the discussion Monday by Marion City Council.
Olson wanted to appoint Jo Olson of Lincolnville, who works in Marion, to the county development board.
“The (Marion County Economic Development) Council needs a view from the whole county and not just the city,” Olson said. “(The county development council) needs to have a view of the whole county. Otherwise, we won’t see any progress.”
“I think a Marion representative needs to be from Marion,” Councilman Steven Smith said.
Olson said she’s tried to find someone from Marion to serve but hasn’t had any luck.
“I will not vote for someone to be appointed who does not live in Marion,” Councilman Gene Winkler said.
“We’ve had representatives from outside the city who have done a good job,” Councilman Bill Holdeman said, referring to Marion Planning Commission.
Olson agreed. She added that she would like another person from outside the city limits be appointed to the planning commission rather than a Marion resident.
Holdeman asked City Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin’s opinion.
“Living in an outlying area is different than someone living in a particular city,” he said. “I can see conflict for someone who lives in a different community.”
“She would be from Marion County, not Marion city,” Olson said. “We need people who want to represent Marion County.”
“I think we need to be looking within our boundaries,” Smith said. “I don’t have a problem with appointing a resident of Marion County Lake or Eastshore Development. I would be much more open to that idea than someone from Lincolnville.”
All agreed that Jo Olson would do a good job for the city. but the real issue was whether to have someone on the county council who calls Marion home.
With all that said, Olson made a motion to appoint Jo Olson to the county development council. The motion died for a lack of a second.
“Right now we don’t have any representation on Marion County Economic Development Council,” Olson said, “because you (the council) didn’t want me to serve on the council.”