Marion Ward 3: Kay Lammers

As other cities are fighting to save their historical communities, Marion seems all too glad to throw away our heritage. There doesn't seem to be a sense of accomplishment of this new generation to care about our past. If they aren't absorbed in their electronic devices it seems they have to have something else to keep their minds stimulated.

Marion was once the Linn County Seat and a thriving railroad community, but all we hear today is that the new residents don't care about our history or the railroad. Many of today's leaders want to tear down the depot in the park and build a 'plaza” so the city can provide free entertainment for the millennial generation.

Uptown Marion is a designated historical district and has a lot to offer. The Family Circle magazine named Marion as one of their picks for the best places to live, mainly because of the events in the park. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, Marion has the best art festival in the Midwest, drawing artists from all over. Our local businesses sponsor free music all summer in the park, Marion's own 'Big Band” rounds out the end of the season. The park hosts the farm market, the Kiwanis's big Bar-B-Q, then the Swamp Fox Festival heralds the end of summer. The business community has the 'Chocolate Walk” in October, a special night for a busy mom's getaway. Santa Claus comes to town in December and the businesses host the 'Peppermint Walk”. No matter the weather there is always a long line to see Santa, sing carols and light the Christmas tree. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will keep you warm while everyone celebrates the wonders of winter.

Do we really want to gut the heart of our community just for a tax base? Marion has the history center and the Granger House to remind us of a simpler time when we weren't so self absorbed. We can all learn lessons from the past.

With the reconstruction in the east of uptown, we can retain our historical district, remember our heritage and still be an updated community.

' More information: (319) 377-5311