Marion’s streetscape spending out of control

During this period of economic distress, isn't it irresponsible to spend taxpayers' money on the proposed brick streets to surround Marion's City Square Park, and isn't it misleading to announce the cost as $400,000? In reality that's the cost per block, 12 blocks are proposed at $400,000 per block, which equals $4.8 million with the entire streetscape costing $11 million, with the uptown merchants being assessed $20,000 each. How many potholes would that fill?

And the plan to turn uptown Marion into a pedestrian mall is beyond belief. Sure, there are antique shops, but so are a number of residents who must drive, myself included.

I want responsible spending. I'm voting for Allen Bouska for mayor of Marion.

Mary Lou Pazour

Marion