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The proposition of staggered four year terms for council members is feeding the political machine feeding the political machine! Outrageous! The council members who voted for this are shirking their responsibility by not opposing this issue. This proposition you will be voting for will either pass or fail. The political machine behind it knows the odds of it passing are in their favor because of poor voter turn-out.
The rationale: “Well, it takes time for candidates to learn to do council business”. Stupid logic! It is incumbent upon political parties to cultivate candidates, educate them in the mechanics of city council and vet them as candidates who don’t need “training wheels”. Too many “Not Ready for Primetime Politicians” are cheating the taxpayers with “on the job training”; essentially bumps on a log collecting checks! Four years is too much of an imposition to taxpayers. Candidates who are worth their salt, do what their taxpaying supporters want, can have a seat until their last breath.
The other issue is the potential of “straw candidates” seated for four years instead of two! The economics is ridiculous just like Marion’s current financial situation. Council members are paid nine thousand dollars a year. Two year terms would cost the taxpayer eighteen thousand dollars. Four year terms cost thirty six thousand dollars. Those worth their salt will be rewarded every two years by the electorate.
Vote NO for four years! Make’m earn it!
Terry Cline
Marion, Ohio
614-493-6137