Candidate Dwight Hogan

I am a 52-year resident of Marion and a 1971 graduate of Marion High School. I have worked as an engineering tech and have 27 years in the insurance industry. I am currently a sales representative for Sealant International.

Since 2009, I have been a regular at the Marion City Council work sessions and regular meetings. I have also attended the budget work sessions for the years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. I have better attendance than the current office holder.

All candidates agree that our streets, in particular our residential streets, need to be maintained. The city in 2012 bonded $14 million for these repairs. Where have these repairs been completed?

With our continued growth to the north, the need for Fire Station 3 is a major issue and needs to be addressed now.

Our city spending is out of control. The hiring of out-of-state consultants, when we have a staff that is capable of doing the job, is one example. On the Central Corridor project alone, the city has spent $1 million in engineering fees in addition to our engineering staff salaries.

The city's practice of borrowing from established funds such as the sanitary sewer rental fund and the solid waste fund needs to stop. If we don't have the money, then we should not be borrowing from these funds. These funds were not established for borrowing. If the city borrows from these funds, then why did our sewer and garbage rates go up?

I believe the City Council needs to hear input from all our businesses and residents. There were more than 3,000 signatures from residents against the Central Corridor Plan, which was ignored by the City Council. Two of my opponents were sitting council members at the time. Our council needs to welcome citizen's opinions even if they differ from theirs.

In 2011, when I ran for Ward 1, I received more than 4,000 votes. I ask that voters again put their trust in me and together we can make Marion a great place to live.

Comments: dah880@gmail.com