The following opinion piece was posted by Rep. Sharon Steckman to social media, and written by Mason City resident Ann McGregor:
Sharon Wille Steckman
Letter from Ann McGregor
No Thank You Prestage!
I respect and appreciate the Mayor and the City Council for the vision and leadership they have shown. The restoration of the Historic Park Inn represents a successful project showing their long-range vision for the city.
Although I respect the council, I cannot support the Prestage Farms project. I believe this decision represents one of, if not the most important decisions the City Council has ever made. I do not believe adequate time has been give to investigate the project. One example, there has not been an environmental impact study. Why has this not occurred? Our community could benefit from the results. My second point is that the time line for the project is rushed. Most residents had not heard of this company until a month ago. What is the benefit of not allowing the process to proceed in a more deliberate manner? What is the rush? Projects of far lesser scope have received much more in depth deliberation. I respectfully disagree that Prestage Farms will enhance the potential long-term growth of our community.
Ann McGregor
