Tag: #Marshall

OPINION: MARSHALL CAN’T – HIRE A CITY MANAGER

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By Ron Munden — ron@easttexasexposed.com — October 16, 2018

On August 27, 20i8 I wrote an article titled “Marshall Can’t”. In the article I listed items that Marshall continually failed to accomplish. Today I add another item to the list of things that Marshall just can’t seem to do – HIRE A CITY MANAGER.

Of course, this problem is entirely the responsibility of the current City Commission. The City Commission’s work on this task has been done in the dark and to my knowledge the City Commission has not provided periodic updates to the public on their progress. I think I know why. There has been very little progress.

 
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OPINION: Marshall Texas – THE MEMORIAL CITY HALL BUSINESS PLAN

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By Ron Munden — ron@easttexasexposed.com — August 22, 2018

Only in Marshall
Where else would a city government hire a consultant to write a business plan for a major facility and agree to pay the person $125/hour for their work without reviewing similar projects that the consultant completed in the past 5 years?

During a working meeting after the draft business plan was submitted to the city, the City Commissioners were surprised to hear that the city’s consultant had never developed a business plan before taking on this assignment.

You don’t always get what you pay for
When you pay $125/hour you should expect a professional high-quality product. Marshall did not get that, but you can’t expect someone to hit a home run on their first time at bat. You should expect City staff and the City Commissioners to be better guardians for the city’s money.

Click here to red the complete article

OPINION: MARSHALL TEXAS’ SACRED COW – WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS

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By Ron Munden – July 15, 2018

For the record I do not want to see Wonderland of Lights go away. I think it is a nice little local festival which should be preserved for the quality of life of the community. I do think it should be managed the way it was for the first 28 years – a volunteer lead 501c3 organization independent of the city’s direct management involvement.

Of course, this will not happen because Wonderland of Lights has become Marshall’s sacred cow.

“Sacred Cow” is defined as:

sa·cred cow
noun
1. an idea, custom, or institution held, especially unreasonably, to be above criticism (with reference to the Hindus’ respect for the cow as a sacred animal).

On Thursday night four or five people went to the mike during the public comment part of the Marshall City Commission meeting and expressed their support for Wonderland of Lights. Their support fell into two categories:

1. It is Marshall’s brand. It is Marshall’s claim to frame.

2. Restaurants and retail merchants depend on WOL to stay in business and they contribute their increased sales in November and December to WOL.

I know sacred cows are above criticism and therefore my arguments will be rejected but the last time I checked this country still has a free press, so I will make my argument.

Read the complete article by clicking here

Leann Rimes in Concert – Marshall Texas – June 2011

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Photography by Ron Munden

In 2010 and 2011 Marshall Texas as trying to brand itself as “Marahall Texas – Center Stage” (the center for entertainment in North East Texas).  The effort failed but during that two years the city have more good entertainment than in all the years that have followed.  It was an expensive failure but it was a fun time while it lasted.

Recently I ran across 83 images from the Leann Rimes concert in June 2011.

Click here to see the slideshow/gallery.

Marshall Depot Museum Model

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The Marshall Depot Board and the Union Pacific Foundation will be providing a peek into Marshall’s transportation history today as they unveil an interactive scale model of the Marshall Depot and the area beyond.

The model was prepared by Mike Martina, his wife Ellen and other hobbyists, recreating the depot, Ginocchio Hotel and most of the yards which once manufactured everything from railroad engines to car-wheels. His interactive display creates the effect of workers welding on train parts, of the sound of the trains as they run through the yards. The construction of the model was made possible with funds from Sallie Guillion, her family and the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

Take a look at the images.

Click here to see the slideshow/gallery