Marion makes Memphis news over lack of communication

Marion makes Memphis news over lack of communication

Channel 3 news piece critical over secrecy, lack of transparency with city residents

news@theeveningtimes.com

A report by WREG TV-Memphis’s April Thompson that aired Monday night highlighted a problem that many Marion residents have voiced in recent months — a lack of communication between city officials and the public they serve.

“Marion, Arkansas is a quiet community, but some say it may be keeping too quiet,” began the report.

According to the piece, “People who live in Marion have complained they don’t think city leaders are coming clean when it comes to what’s really going on.”

While the idea that Marion keeps a tight lid on police investigations and other city business is nothing new, the issue appears to have come to a head following rumors of an investigation concerning one or more members of the Marion Police Department.

“WREG has been flooded with emails asking us to report on the issue,” said the story, “but our requests for interviews and information have gone unanswered.”

The Memphis news station’s report also pointed the finger at the city’s leader.

“It was the same with longtime Mayor Frank Fogleman, who recently wrote on social media after winning another term that he was ready to do a better job letting citizens know what’s going on via his City Facebook page,” the report stated.

Fogleman’s social media page was lit up with comments.

“If not for social media, no one would know about all the crime happening in Marion,” posted one resident.

Another commented, “Mayor Fogleman your citizens are answering your call for input and you are still silent.”

The report even referenced a recent Times editorial that took note of Marion leadership’s unwillingness to share vital information with the community, especially in regard to crime in the city. Even the local newspaper is calling out the mayor and police for keeping a tight lid on what crime is actually happening in town. The report said, “WREG is still waiting to hear back from Marion’s mayor and police chief. As for that police investigation, if it is going on, no one is talking.”

By the Evening Times News Staff