Marion Town Council’s pattern of dismissive and derogatory remarks toward citizens who question their actions was on full display at the most recent council meeting — this time, broadcast for all to hear.
During the closing segment of Monday night’s meeting, following a closed session, several council members were caught on a live broadcast engaging in negative commentary about residents who have spoken out against recent ordinances. Unaware the meeting was still being broadcast, Councilman Larry Carter remarked, “They’re insulting our integrity” in reference to concerned citizens. His statement was met with laughter and snorts from other council members before someone reminded them they were still live.
Carter’s comment comes as he faces growing scrutiny for his own repeated violations of Section 62-143 of the Marion Town Code, which requires sidewalks to be kept clear of “trash, boxes, or any other obstruction calculated to interfere with the convenience of the public.” Despite being one of the most vocal defenders of the failed new trash ordinance — and one of its most outspoken critics of residents who oppose it — Carter has been documented each Thursday placing loose trash bags and other items directly on the public sidewalk in front of his home rather than in a proper trash container or on his own property. While the trash ordinance was revised to allow the use of trash bags, he is still in violation of 62-143.
This direct violation of an applicable ordinance underscores what many residents view as a double standard: one set of rules for the public, and another for those in power.
Carter’s rhetoric toward citizens has been dismissive and, at times, insulting. Fellow council members have echoed similar sentiments. Tricia Spencer recently criticized the proposal to provide town-issued Toter trash cans and equip trucks with lifting mechanisms — a measure intended to help elderly and disabled residents comply with the ordinance — saying, “The people who have problems with trash aren’t going to have their problems solved by trash cans. They’ll steal trash cans, won’t bring them back, won’t put trash in them—it won’t solve our problems.”
In the same recorded segment, after Carter’s remarks, Town Manager Billy Hamm added, “We’re dealing with the forty plus crowd,” rather than valid grievances with a flawed ordinance.
Adding to the controversy, Zoning Administrator Todd Long was recently instructed to recall more than 80 certified violation letters sent to citizens over the past two weeks — a move that raises questions about both the ordinance’s rollout and its enforcement. Why did the town pay for 80 certified letters? Why was the money wasted on the certified letters it is expense to mail that many letters in that way.
This incident — elected officials openly ridiculing their constituents while in their official capacity — speaks to a larger issue of professionalism and accountability within Marion’s leadership. The role of a council member is not to mock or belittle residents who challenge them, but to represent all citizens with respect, fairness, and integrity.
Marion voters ultimately decide whether the current council reflects those values, or whether it is time to replace members with officials who are committed to transparency, humility, and genuine public service — and who follow the same laws they expect everyone else to obey.
