City councilman Don Nelson has expressed concern and questions over the proposed multi-purpse center project.|City councilman Don Nelson has expressed concern and questions over the proposed multi-purpse center project.
NorthIowaToday.com has obtained a letter from Nelson that he was preparing to send to Tim Latham, the Chairman of the Multi-Purpose Center Committee. The Committee is looking into the feasibility and cost of a multi-purpose center that could be a part of a redevelopment plan located southwest of Southbridge Mall.
In the letter, Nelson immediately questions a quote in a Globe Gazette article made by Latham, in which he allegedly states “there’s no ‘if’ or ‘ands’ it’s going to be built” regarding the inevitability of the multi-purpose center being built. Nelson tells Latham “I was concerned with your statement.” He then asks “is this being objective, willingness to listen before reaching a position, in only your second meeting? Where is your objectivity?”
NorthIowaToday.com contacted Tim Latham for a clarification on his quote in the Globe Gazette. In reference to his quote, Latham said “I didn’t say that.” Latham then clarified whether the multi-purpose center would be built or not. “We are a long ways from that happening. The Council may never approve it.”
Nelson then made a suggestion to Latham and the Committee. “Instead of surveys, put the downtown development /multi-purpse center on a referendum and let the voters of Mason City decide- why is there hesitation to put this issue before the voters? It’s their tax dollars.”
