Why I’m running for Marion City Council

My name is Robert E. (Bob) Schlegel and I wish to publicly announce my desire and intention to become Marion's next ward 4 Council person as soon as the position becomes available. My wife Nina and I have been married for 57 years and we moved to Marion in June 1960 immediately upon my graduation from Loras College in Dubuque and acceptance of employment at Rockwell Collins. I took early retirement from Rockwell in 1994 and spent the next 20 years as a Realtor assisting area folks in the purchase and sale of their family homes. Nina and I are currently living at 3600 N. 10th St in Marion with our two Golden Retrievers Rusty and Mulligan and have been blessed with 4 children, 8 grand children and 6 great grand children all but one still living in the Marion area. I figure I have been blessed by the Lord for many years and in many ways and would like to spend my remaining years in service to my community.

In addition to supporting Marion's continued economic growth which provides local employment opportunity as well as property tax relief for homeowners, I seek election (or interim appointment) to address several urgent issues affecting all Marion citizens. First, I believe that widespread support for Marion's economic plans will only happen with better communication between the City and it's residents. I envision a dynamic website for City Council communication with citizens on economic development updates and receipt of citizen feedback. I also believe that local newspapers may be underutilized and could be an effective medium for in depth articles on City Council agenda. I also understand that builders/developers are essential to economic progress but not at the expense of existing homeowners. I would advocate for a better balance between the interests and desires of builders/developers and those of existing homeowners when City Council decisions are made regarding rezoning and/or commercial development affecting nearby or adjacent family residences. I would also like to see greater care taken to avoid any and all potential conflict of interest, self interest or financial interest appointments to City boards or commissions. I feel that local developers already have enough advocates on the City Council and it's time the citizens had one.

I feel another area in need of attention is law enforcement. I believe that Marion has a dedicated police force that does not always get the credit it deserves and I would support innovative ways to improve it's image. I would like to see re-establishing ' To Protect and To Serve” as the departments motto including it's display on exterior of all patrol cars - a reminder to everyone of the police department's priorities. I would also advocate a campaign that would demonstrate the departments commitment to practical issues, such as aggressive enforcement of the City's Noise and Loud Muffler Ordinance.

As for roundabouts, a topic that is on everyone's mind, I admit to limited knowledge on why Marion adopted them. I don't personally care for them as I believe they are conducive to accidents in heavy traffic areas. I also do not believe the current Marion Library should be a casualty of trendy traffic management.

' More information: gmacrealtor1@hotmail.com