Letter: Yes for Marion’s ward voting

Regarding Marion's forthcoming ballot measure to consider a change in how city council members are elected, I encourage the Marion electorate to vote 'yes” for ward voting.

Importantly, the current system of ward council members being selected by at large voting is outdated given the city's population growth and increasing municipal sophistication. Enacted in January 1976 when Marion's population was approximately 19,000 people, voters in the four designated wards nominate prospective council representatives for their ward, with one individual from each ward being determined by citywide at large voting. Given the relative simplicity of concerns before the city at that time, such an approach was deemed appropriate.

Fast forward to current times, Marion's population is approaching 38,000, and the city is wrestling with numerous considerations regarding infrastructure improvements, residential and commercial development, and public services which are substantially more complex than those before the city in the mid-1970s. Notably, current matters before the city do not necessarily impact all wards equally, and as such, it is vital to ensure each ward is represented by a council member selected solely by their ward.

Making this change will complement the existing at large selection of the mayor and two other council members, therein providing the balance of representation for issues which have citywide impact. Times change and cities evolve, and it's on this basis I encourage Marion to vote 'yes” for ward voting.

Grant Harper

Marion