One of those weeks
It's the dog days of summer and people are downright cranky about a number of things. One issue that has folks around town buzzing like bees is that the City of Marion is handing out free money to businesses.
Of course, that isn't exactly true. The truth is there are city grants available for businesses that want to make improvements. OK, that seems reasonable — help businesses grow and make improvements and that helps everyone.
The first grant was given to Leith Inc., to build a fence around its property. To most folks that seems like a worthy project.
The second grant is what has people talking. It was given to Up in Smoke, a smoke shop to purchase inventory. What's wrong with that, you ask? The second business is a tobacco shop and the inventory is — you guessed it — tobacco products.
Taxpayers are a little up-in-arms about giving away tax money for that kind of inventory. What's next — free city money for a tattoo parlor or a porn shop?
What makes the situation even more interesting is that city economic development director Jami Williams owns the building where the Smoke Shop is located.
Conflict of interest?
Folks also are disturbed by the news that the USD 408 building project is already half a million dollars over the proposed budget and not a spade full of dirt has been moved! What will the final bill be for this project? Will the mill levy have to go up to pay for all of this?
Life isn't always champagne and roses. Editorials can't always be about goodness and light. Sometimes we have to discuss the thorny subjects that get folks all hot and bothered.
This is one of those weeks.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
