From the Sidelines: Project could be key to retaining residents
Sports reporter
Upon moving to Marion July 31 2004, I had no idea what to expect. My high school had roughly the same number of students as all of Marion.
This didn't bother me. While I have never lived in a town this small, I wasn't coming in with a big-city attitude.
Did I miss movie theaters? Yes. Did I miss a short drive to Kansas City Chiefs and Royals games? Yes. And did I miss being able to drive 10 minutes to the mall? Yes.
But I was going to give this small town a chance because I'm always interested in trying new things.
Guess what? I like it here.
Does that mean I'm going to retire here? Who knows?
What it does mean is I, along with my wife and son, am here and keeping all of my options open.
As Mitch grows up, Jamie and I have to think of everything from his safety and education, as well as our careers.
Safety-wise, there is no doubt this town passes the test. Nowhere is perfect, but I think most residents feel their children are safe in Marion.
As far as education goes, Marion is toward the top in my book and continues to be progressive both academically and facility-wise.
Which brings me to a hot topic in these parts: the current building project that includes a new gymnasium, indoor pool, and auditorium.
By now, anyone who reads this newspaper knows about the project.
The proposed facilities would cause the current mill levy of the district to remain at 10.44. But the important thing is it shows hope.
Hope that this town is showing it wants to progress. Hope that the facilities will, in the long run, create a higher tax base, hopefully creating lower taxes.
Money aside, let's talk about quality of life. Marion is better off than many small towns in Kansas, but only the naïve don't know a little progress is what will keep it alive.
As my family is pondering where to live in the next five years, we are going to take a look at Marion, and picture what it will be in the future. We'll stay if we like what we see.
New facilities will not solve everything in a snap.
It will however show me and others, this town is progressing and wants to continue to grow.
This project needs to pass. Outsiders will come to Marion and see education as well as entertainment, is important.
A pool, some say, is not needed. I say a pool provides children a place to play in the summer, and swimming is a skill they could use later in life.
An auditorium could provide entertainment at night for people of all ages. The entertainment could cause some to want to stay.
Little by little the effects from this project could help keep Marion afloat, and better than ever. If it fails, Marion will be without a pool in the next five years. In 15 years, MHS athletes will be playing in a non-ADA compliant, almost 70-year-old gym.
My decision to continue to live here for awhile could hinge on this project. Do I think the fact it could keep my family here is going to cause everyone to rush out of the house and vote yes?
Of course not.
But if my family isn't the only one, a yes vote might be worth thinking about.
