Mayor: Allen Bouska

I do not support the Central Corridor Project as it is now presented by the city of Marion. I recommend that all roundabouts be eliminated and Sixth Avenue be completed as a straight road through to 31st Street. This would accomplish several things.

It would provide an alternate east-west road to relieve traffic on Seventh Avenue. This also would allow for the growth of new retail establishments providing new jobs while improving the property tax base and sales tax revenues for the city.

This simple, cost-effective strategy would eliminate any expensive property buyouts associated with the roundabouts now recommended in the Plan D Corridor Project and could be completed at a fraction of the cost of the present program.

My plan also would stop the potential loss of more than 90 businesses, 350 jobs and 56 residences that the present plan would eliminate on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. These businesses and jobs form an important base for Marion's future. Their loss would be an obstacle that the Chamber of Commerce and Marion Economic Development Company would have to address while attracting new businesses into the Marion complex.

Other priorities of the City Council should be to reconnect with the voters and listen to the concerns of residents. This has been a concern of residents since the presentations of the Seventh Avenue Project began.

The Tower Terrace construction is a positive approach to provide much-needed surface access to the northern portion of Marion and should be continued. This area has great potential for the growth of a new retail center.

The repair of the existing street, water and sewer infrastructure has always been at the top of any priority list. Areas of concern should be identified and completed.

The property tax base is a concern of many residents. We will hold the line on any budget increases by asking the city manager for his improvement plans to make better use of existing funding before asking for more.

Recent monthly assessment fees attached to the water bill for surface water runoff and tree removal are items that should be removed, as they are not mandated by any agency and hurt the purchasing power of fixed-income retirees.

The expansion of the library is needed as soon as funds are identified with the manager's improvement plans.

Bike and walking trails have been identified, and construction should continue.

As the mayor, I also will address the concerns of the small-business owners, contractors and retailers so they may operate with the support of the city in these uncertain economic times.

In this economy, I do not support building a new police station. I believe the current building can be completely renovated, including necessary roof and mold repairs, and we can add a secure office building adjoining the police station. This would save the taxpayers an estimated

$7 million to $10 million.

Will Rodgers said: “Be a politician, no training is necessary.” I am ready to be Marion's next mayor and lead our great residents through the next four years, whatever they may bring.

Allen “Snooks” Bouska, Marion Dairy Queen owner, is a retired Naval Reserve commander and was a Naval aviator in Vietnam. He's a member of Legion Post 298 and has been married 41 years to Vickie, with two daughters. Comments: kim@reemconsulting.com