Marion Mayor: Joe Spinks

I have served on Marion Council for the last eight years, I filled the Ward 2 position, vacated by former Mayor Rehn. I have been elected twice and I am two years into my second elected term. I have served the past four years as Mayor Pro Tempore under Mayor Bouska.

My wife Teresa and I have been married for 42 years, we have lived in Marion for 36 years and I worked for Rockwell Collins engineering for 36 years, retiring in January 2015. My personal interest is Bible study, amateur radio, history and photography. The Lord has truly blessed my family and I pray He will continue to bless Marion, the city I'm proud to call home.

Before being appointed to council, I attended council meetings because of my interest in Marion history. I didn't have 'issues” with Marion government; it was simply an interest in my community. I learned from these meetings that no one member of council makes changes to government. There are seven votes or sometimes seven opinions on an issue. I learned that cooperation and trust between council and city staff are a key to representing the citizens our community. Serving for eight years, I have seen this firsthand. I begin my service during the time of change; remember the 'Save 7th Ave” signs? Public opinion at that time was very negative of the original plan. Members of council were divided on many of these issues, but there was agreement in the potential for economic growth. Fast forward to today, we are reaping that growth with amazing development occurring in all areas Marion.

One of my passions is economic development. It is important to Marion to balance the property income in Marion between home and commercial. Marion currently runs around 75 percent for home property tax and 25 percent commercial. Additional commercial business attracted to Marion will keep the home property tax at an affordable level. A balanced income also allows the city to weather economic turndowns.

Finally, I want to improve the city council visibility in the city. A public meeting is intimidating to some who would wish to express their concerns. As leaders, we should be in the public to assure we are getting information that represents the interest of our citizens.

As mayor, I will work to continue the economic growth in Marion. Leadership to the community and city government is my goal.

' More information: SpinksforMayor@yahoo.com; www.Mayor-Joe.vpweb.com; Facebook: Joe Spinks, Candidate for Mayor of Marion