First of all, I want to say that I'm concerned about the homes and businesses that will be affected. I'm confident that the city will work with each home and business owner to reach a good outcome for both parties.
I recently went on a tour of the new 6th Avenue route and it seems to make alot of sense to me. There is a large portion that the city owns that is vacant. Right now there are 3 businesses that would need to relocate due to the road. With this new road it would spur investment from larger businesses that would locate along 6th Avenue, which would strengthen the tax base and economy of the city. We currently have an unhealthy balance for a healthy community.
On 7th Avenue I would like to see slower traffic and more pedestrian foot traffic. People that spend money are out of their cars. People tend to judge the vigor of small towns primarily on their mainstreets.
New people are moving to our town and they are looking for the same amenities that they are use to having. It's time for the city to invest in downtown.
I would like to be involved in planning for the future of Marion...a small town, with a bright future.
-Kim
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Marion...small town, bright future
After 49 years a new stadium was built at Linn-Mar for around $10 million dollars. Primarily funded by a local option sales tax that was passed. The stadium seats 6,000, double that of Armstrong field. It has a state of the art track and synthetic turf playing field that's better than some colleges.
Crowds have turned out in great numbers to see the product which was paid for by the people in the area. Out of town relatives drove in for the debut. For some fans and families the new stadium is a destination point. One parent commented "so proud of what LM has here, and you talk about LM pride- this is LM pride at it's finest." It's a stadium that is expected to fulfill the needs of a growing community for many years to come.
Marion is growing. The Central Corridor Project is responding to the transportation and business needs of a growing city. I know,when this project is complete, crowds will be turning out in great numbers. Out of town relatives will come. It will become a destination point and we will see Marion Pride at it's finest.
I want to be apart of Marion's bright future. Let's replace the "Save 7th Ave. " signs with "Marion...small town, bright future.
-Kim
Crowds have turned out in great numbers to see the product which was paid for by the people in the area. Out of town relatives drove in for the debut. For some fans and families the new stadium is a destination point. One parent commented "so proud of what LM has here, and you talk about LM pride- this is LM pride at it's finest." It's a stadium that is expected to fulfill the needs of a growing community for many years to come.
Marion is growing. The Central Corridor Project is responding to the transportation and business needs of a growing city. I know,when this project is complete, crowds will be turning out in great numbers. Out of town relatives will come. It will become a destination point and we will see Marion Pride at it's finest.
I want to be apart of Marion's bright future. Let's replace the "Save 7th Ave. " signs with "Marion...small town, bright future.
-Kim
Monday, October 3, 2011
Why am I running?
Hello,
I recently read that the most important quality of a city council member is an open mind, sense of fairness, logical thinking and willingness to work. I'm just an average person and have alot to learn but, I feel that I have all these important qualities.
I have lived in this community for most of my life and care about the people and what goes on. I have an eye for the future and want to get involved.
I'm a teamplayer. I would not be deciding issues on my own rather I would be working with others to build consensus or at least a majority.
I'm a very positive, approachable person and will listen to the concerns of voters in my district and share my ideas about how to make Marion better.
Right now, Marion is growing and changing. I'm excited about the Uptown project for the city and would enjoy being part of it.
John F. Kennedy once said "one person CAN make a difference, and everyone should try."
I'm hoping to inspire more people to get involved.
Kim
I recently read that the most important quality of a city council member is an open mind, sense of fairness, logical thinking and willingness to work. I'm just an average person and have alot to learn but, I feel that I have all these important qualities.
I have lived in this community for most of my life and care about the people and what goes on. I have an eye for the future and want to get involved.
I'm a teamplayer. I would not be deciding issues on my own rather I would be working with others to build consensus or at least a majority.
I'm a very positive, approachable person and will listen to the concerns of voters in my district and share my ideas about how to make Marion better.
Right now, Marion is growing and changing. I'm excited about the Uptown project for the city and would enjoy being part of it.
John F. Kennedy once said "one person CAN make a difference, and everyone should try."
I'm hoping to inspire more people to get involved.
Kim
Bio
Kim Etzel was raised in Marion, Iowa and attended Linn-Mar Schools. At the age of 23 began her 30 year career in Visual Merchandising, currently working at Younkers. After living in Des Moines and Seattle returned to Marion with her son Addison, who attends Excelsior Middle School and partner John Maldonado. In 2001 Kim and John opened Marion Square Gardens, Marion's first neighborhood coffeehouse and lived above the business in the Uptown Marion district. For 10 years Marion Square Gardens served the best espresso and panini's in town. Many lifelong friendships were made with other business owners and citizens of Marion. The business closed in 2011.
Kim is the daughter of Robert and Beverly Etzel, longtime residents of Marion. Her father is the former owner of Jubilee Lanes bowling alley. Kim's mother raised her in a house with her 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Together they taught her early on to work hard, be honest and be truthful.
Kim is the daughter of Robert and Beverly Etzel, longtime residents of Marion. Her father is the former owner of Jubilee Lanes bowling alley. Kim's mother raised her in a house with her 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Together they taught her early on to work hard, be honest and be truthful.
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