‘Shadow government’ is in full swing

To the editor:

During the contentious city election in Marion, one mayoral candidate referred to a 'shadow government running the city.” Well, voters, if you would have attended the Nov. 19 council meeting, you would have seen the 'shadows” in action.

The Iowa Realty building will be losing 11 private parking spaces to accommodate the Art in the Alley. The chamber and Main Street leaders pleaded for reserved on-street parking for the loses they will lose to the alley. They want parking from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for maybe a few months or maybe more than a year. Even though the petition to not allow this action far exceeded the 'shadow's” request, only the mayor and council member Mary Lou Pazour voted no. Our new mayor-elect said this is for the betterment of the entire community. One council member said it didn't matter to him and I don't think I ever heard his vote. I guess he forgot who he represents.

Seventh Avenue will soon be closed for a total street reconstruction and parking is already a premium uptown. I hope the few businesses that are still open can survive with fewer public parking spots.

Kay Lammers

Marion