Public Comments Highlight Community Concerns and Support for Transparency
During the public comment portion of the Marion Town Council meeting, a minister from Ebenezer Lutheran Church addressed the importance of the Blue Ridge Job Corps program. The minister emphasized the program’s value to the community and noted the significance of the upcoming hearing that will determine whether current students will be allowed to complete their courses or be sent home. She reminded council members of their previous commitments to support students and urged them to remember that their election to office was based on the public’s trust in their service.
Community member Bill Stamper also spoke, referencing an article from the Smyth County News & Messenger dated September 9, 2024 and a comment on that article made at a recent council meeting. The article noted that Charles Hayden, a frequent council critic, had been wearing a T-shirt to meetings advocating for the replacement of the entire council—sentiments now echoed by local yard signs. Stamper praised Hayden for his dedication to gathering facts and holding the council accountable. He questioned why the newspaper labeled Hayden a “town critic” and why the council did not address the label. Stamper further criticized Councilman Hunter Atwell’s previous commentary to citizens to “get an attorney and file a lawsuit” if they disagreed with council actions, cautioning, “you should watch what you wish for.”
Mayor Avery Cornett responded by offering a more balanced view of the term “critic,” noting that it doesn’t necessarily imply negativity and acknowledging that Mr. Hayden has presented some valuable ideas and information. The mayor also issued a public apology in the spirit of open dialogue even though he did not make the initial commentary.
Council Member Reports
• Larry Carter celebrated the return of organized baseball to Marion through the Hungry Mother’s baseball league, calling it “a longtime goal for the town.”
• Todd May expressed appreciation for the success of the “Caring for Our Community” workday and thanked all participating volunteers.
• Hunter Atwell – No report.
• Susie Jennings announced that Todd Long had successfully passed the state certification for Zoning Administrator, achieving a perfect score of 100. She also reported on a Building and Grounds Committee matter involving a property on Look Avenue. A neighboring resident has proposed purchasing the town-owned lot for $9,244.80, including a 20-foot easement.
• Tricia Spencer – No report.
• Vice Mayor Bill Gates reported that the Water Committee continues to address concerns raised at the previous meeting by resident Scott Trent. A resolution is forthcoming.
• Debra Hayes – No report.
Mayor Cornett shared that the council wishes to direct the town manager to post both the tentative and adopted budgets on the town’s website to improve transparency and for public review. Additionally, the council will form a committee to draft a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) policy. This policy will include clear guidelines on associated fees and will be made publicly accessible on the town website.
These actions appear to be in response to concerns raised by Charles Hayden regarding the town’s FOIA practices. Hayden had requested digital records and was initially not informed of any associated fees, but was later billed $75. He was subsequently barred from making further requests until the fee was paid—an approach potentially out of step with state FOIA requirements.
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk reported that a new business—a pawn shop operated by Luke Mercer—is seeking to open in the former Wilbeez/Hester’s location, which recently closed.
The Marion Police Department and Fire Department provided call statistics for May, citing 206 calls for the month and a year-to-date total of 1,057 combined calls.
Ken Heath has returned to work following surgery and is doing well. He shared information about upcoming summer and Independence Day events around town. Residents are encouraged to look for posters placed in local businesses and community spaces for event details. Notably, there will be a fireworks show for the first time in many years in Marion on July 6th after the baseball game. They will be shooting them off at the former location of Marion Intermediate School. There will also be showings of classic movies at the Lincoln Theater to include the Wizard of Oz, a cruise in and more!
