Marion Council 1 Candidate: Dwight Hogan

I am a 54 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 now retired.

Since 2009, I have attended the Marion City Council work session and regular meetings. I have also attended the budget work sessions for the years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. I have better attendance than some of the current office holders.

I am running to represent the people of Marion on the city council, because I believe we must show more fiscal restraint with our city budget and spending practices. I believe we must have transparent governance, and we must seek input from our residents, property owners and business owners. The actions of the council must reflect the will of the people.

The last city survey of our residents said the number one issue was our streets. In 2012 the council bonded $14 million for street repair. Where has this money been spent and which streets were repaired? Our infrastructure also needs to be addressed. The Trunk Sewer project will help, but more will need to be done as our city continues to grow.

Our city spending is out of control. Spending $19,000 of taxpayers' money for the Fitbits for our city staff is wrong. The hiring of consultants, whether they are out of state, in state, or in our city, are wrong, especially when we are paying staff to perform these duties. A good example of this is the money being spent for engineering services.

The library is going to be a big issue in this election. The last city survey showed more people use our trails than our library. I do not support tearing down a 20-year-old building. Spending $12-$14 million on a building which the library board has said we will outgrow after eight years is not being fiscally responsible. We would also be leasing this building. I would support expanding our current library.

I believe we need a change in leadership on our council. A council that will listen to the citizens, that will set city policy, not the staff, and will continue progress as long as it is within our budget means.

' More information: dah880@gmail.com