SOUND OFF: Magnolia Farmers Market Pavilion Unusable

Several weeks ago, the Magnolia Farmers Market Pavilion became unusable and dangerous to the public. Shoddy workmanship and perhaps the lowest bidder have created a situation where a heavy crossbeam has fallen. Thankfully no one was injured!!

At a time when several of the area’s farmers are harvesting their crops and the pavilion should and could be used for its intended purpose - A FARMER’S MARKET - the city facility remains unusable and dangerous. Delays in repairs and attention to city structures seems to be the norm for our city’s mayor and administration. As many of you recall, Mayor Witherspoon ran on Beautifying Magnolia Again. In the past 3 years it’s only gotten worst. For example.

- A building in downtown basically fell into the street before it was taken down. This was after several requests by adjoining business owners that the dangerous situation be addressed.

- Our streets have several potholes from water line leaks, and they are just filled with dirt and rock instead of being repaired and repaved.

- Our sidewalks are unusable and residents who do walk have to use the streets because they are safer from the tripping hazards.

- Our downtown shrubs have all but been removed. This seems to be typical of our city government; they would rather cut them down than prune them.

- Local residents have taken it upon themselves to maintain city planters because the city gutted the beautification budget.

At a time when we should be making our city more inviting for current and new businesses, a city showing decline only drives residents, potential new businesses and associated revenues away.

Magnolia can do better than this. Citizens of Magnolia, wake up and hold our city leaders accountable to our needs, instead of just drawing a paycheck off our “taxed backs.”