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i have had a chance to learn a lot about Marion County and <br />appear before you today as a taxpayer in search of ways that we can <br />restore confidence in our government that has been shattered. <br />At this time, we have a dysfunctional County Commission that is <br />faced with making multi-million dollar decisions on the Courthouse <br />Square. Meanwhile, revelations about the Courthouse Square project <br />itself have awakened the taxpayer's sleeping giant. I believe it would <br />be a tragic mistake for the County to move forward with less than a <br />fully-functioning three-member commission. A commission that is up <br />to speed and informed. I suggest that any forward movement on <br />Courthouse Square wait until we have a three-member County <br />Commission. <br />Right now, we are facing a lack of confidence which will take <br />time and hard work on the part of the County to restore. Questions <br />must be answered. Financial details must be available. Costs must be <br />accounted for in total. Cash flow details must be ironed out. This also <br />will take time. <br />Errors have been made on this project. Financial errors. <br />Incorrect financial assumptions. Inadequate cost controls and <br />contracting management. Ethical questions have been raised. I <br />suggest that these all need to be addressed over and over again until <br />the taxpayers are satisfied. Those responsible must be held <br />accountable. Saying I'm sorry is a good start. Being held accountable <br />is the next step in rebuilding confidence. I don't think that most <br />Marion County taxpayers are seeking revenge as their top priority. I <br />believe they are seeking accountability. <br />My last point also strikes to the heart of informed decision- <br />making on the part of the County Commission. At this time, two <br />County Commission positions will be up for election next year. The <br />third may also be subject to a vote depending on a resignation <br />decision or successful recall. <br />