Clearing the air
"Run a little blurb about
We're happy to print your news. We're also happy to have your advertising. Sometimes it's difficult to determine the difference.
If your group is having a pancake feed, soup dinner, or drawing to raise funds, that's advertising. There is a charge.
If you want to submit some news about Cousin Clyde getting a master's degree or Aunt Harriet winning the marathon — that's news. There is no charge for news.
A few weeks ago we ran a full-page story and pictures about the proposed school project. We outlined the financial information, included drawings of the proposed buildings, and included important dates for public meetings and the election. The information was a straightforward "news" story — we didn't encourage anyone to vote one way or another. It was news.
Some subscribers have asked that the opposition be allowed a full page for their points of view. They are welcome to voice their opinions.
We will accept letters to the editor from both sides of the issue. Those who wish to buy ad space — be it for or against the project — are asked to contact our ad department.
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Don't forget the Marion City Council candidate forum at 2 p.m. Sunday. The event will be held at Marion Senior Center.
Candidates for city council positions will be on hand to answer questions about their goals and visions for the future of Marion.
Voters are encouraged to attend the forum to meet the candidates and hear what they have to say.
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Many attended the informative meeting Monday night at Marion County Courthouse concerning the new law enforcement center.
Whenever a project involves a tax increase, it generates a lot of discussion and emotion. No one wants to see taxes go up.
A new law enforcement facility, however, soon will become a necessity for Marion County. The issue seems pretty cut and dried — a.) build a new facility and become a holding facility for other counties; or b.) don't build a new facility and see the current jail close, thereby creating a need to transport prisoners to surrounding counties.
Although it involves taxes, it's a law enforcement issue. It isn't an issue that was designed to divide the county. In other words, it's not a "Marion" issue and it's not a "Hillsboro" issue. It's a countywide problem that must be resolved by county residents.
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And while on the topic of taxes, those who are still on the fence about the proposed school bond issue for Marion-Florence USD 408 need to be reminded the tax mill levy of 10.44 mills will not increase with the passage of the bond.
If the bond issue doesn't pass, do you think the mill levy will decrease? When's the last time that ever happened? Some other taxing entity will take over that money and we still won't see a decrease in taxes.
Shouldn't that money be spent on something that will improve our quality of life and encourage prosperity and growth?
— DONNA BERNHARDT
