Marion Mayor: Nick AbouAssaly

It's a great time to live in Marion! As Marion's population nears 40,000, the city is experiencing unprecedented growth and private investment in residential, commercial and industrial projects. This has been accompanied and enabled by the city's own investment in planning and infrastructure to ensure that new development will best serve the interests of our citizens and enhance the quality of life in our community. Marion's residents are experiencing the direct benefits of these initiatives through better street connectivity, more jobs and business vitality, increased options for dining, shopping and entertainment and more amenities such as trails, parks, splash pads and an amphitheater.

Marion is recognized as a great place to live and do business. Recent accolades include certification as a Blue Zones Community, Main Street Iowa Community and Iowa Great Places designations, and selection as one of the top 10 best places for homeownership in Iowa and one of Family Circle Magazine's top 10 best towns for families in the U.S.

As I meet people throughout Marion, it is clear that the majority of residents believe in the direction in which the city is heading and want it to continue. They support the city government's proactive approach of good planning and wise investment of resources to capitalize on this period of growth and maximize its positive impact on the prosperity of the community well into the future.

The right leadership is critical to help our community develop a shared vision and lead the way to realizing that vision. For most of my adult life, I have worked to make a positive difference in Marion. I have a proven record of advocating for Marion throughout the Corridor and promoting positive growth and development here. I have led the way by volunteering, providing input, proposing ideas and supplying vision to our community.

As a current city council member, I am an independent thinker and a voice of reason. I promote common sense and fiscal responsibility in making important decisions that affect the lives of Marion's residents. I care about doing the right thing for Marion and always act with integrity and the highest ethical standards. As mayor my door will always be open for residents' input and questions.

I have a genuine desire to serve my community and believe in its awesome potential to become a model for others to follow. I ask Marion's voters to put their trust in me as their mayor. I promise to represent their best interests always and will work to make them even more proud to call Marion their hometown.

' More information: nickformarion.org; Facebook: Nick AbouAssaly for Mayor of Marion