Marietta citizens tired of 'do nothing city council'

7/15/2007

By Joan Pritchard, The Parkersburg News

From what I hear, a majority of Marietta citizens are getting darned tired of the ‘‘do nothing city council.’’ I add my name to this list.

I can mention a number of things voted down — among which are the YMCA project and now, of all things, the Veterans Walk of Honor. And some of these council members were strongly against keeping the Armory, which is now going to be maintained, updated, and serve as a powerful, beautiful center of this town. The saving of the Armory was due to a number of hard working individuals (this started with the CAPS organization), and the backing of a large number of Marietta’s population who had vision. And it was strongly supported by Mayor Michael Mullen.

From what I have heard, much of the antagonistic action we are suffering from is due to a personal dislike by some council members of our present mayor, and perhaps they should remember they were elected, not to display their dislikes, but to work with our mayor to push this town ahead.

This past week three members of the Marietta City Council voted to turn down the Veterans Walk of Honor, which is to go from Front Street to the Lockmaster’s house and around the rear to the River Trail back of the Armory. The walk is to pay tribute to past, current and future veterans and will not only contain a commemorative brick walk, but also a reflective garden.

The plan contains a reflective garden and fountain, and thousands of bricks, 15,000 at last count, will be available for engraving of names of veterans, living and deceased. They may be purchased by families, individuals and organizations. The purchase of all of the bricks would provide $750,000, and after costs it will generate $375,000 to go into an endowment managed by the Marietta Community Foundation which will support the long-term maintenance and operation of the site. It will also help pay operational costs of the Armory.

The state of Ohio is ready to help with funds for the Armory, and there are several other funds coming in to add to the more than $900,000 donation already in the bank. It seems some council members have not supported anything concerning the Armory, and with the way the funding is being established this Armory and this walk will not cost Marietta citizens one red cent.

This walk is not going to be a two-bit operation — it is designated to be extremely well constructed, and a walk which all of Marietta will look on with pride.

And by the way, WASCO will lease the Armory property from the city for one dollar a year, and they will have complete charge of costs, renters, and all other things involving the property. And a percentage of any profits — and there will be profits — can be put aside for necessary replacements.

Those members of the council who voted against the Veterans Walk of Honor have seemingly voted against everything. (I might add they wish to preserve the green area where the walk would go, and maintaining this would cost more than the Veterans Memorial Walk would cost to maintain.) So when the coming election arrives, remember who is anti-progress in this town. Don’t vote for someone because you are familiar with his or her name, vote because you know their record. This is your town, help it progress.

And I want to know who on the Marietta City Council is against doing something for our veterans. The veterans have given us everything, even their lives. A memorial walk in their honor is a small way we can thank them. So help beautify your town and protect your vote. And know who and why you are voting for those running for the council. It’s up to you to help Marietta make progress, and it won’t cost you a dime.

Joan Pritchard is a long-time columnist for The Parkersburg News.