Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
Today’s photo of the day comes from NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt. It is a photo I shot in the parking lot of the Mason City Public Library before Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
I think the photo shows the stark contrast in the two types of people in Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s so-called “Cultural Crescent”: Third Ward City Council member, Jean Marinos, in her silver BMW and another person’s yellow bike that is rumored to run somedays and not run on others, sleeping bag strapped to a cart on the back.
We all live here… but we don’t all live the same.
Matt, Just curious, what type of car do you drive? And why does it matter. I’m going to assume you work hard to buy the things you want/need as does council women marinos. Why put someone down because they work hard to get the things they want be it a car, house or clothes.
Is there more than one council woman Marinos? lol. God help us if there is.
I’m not confused. I clearly see the intent of why this article was written. Just another put down. Yes we all have freedom. We can choose to work and make something of ourselves or decide I don’t want a job, I want a career. There are those that choose to work and thereby can buy more expensive things in life. Some want all hand outs possible from Uncle Sam. Usually it’s our choice. So to point out what someone drives over what someone else does not, it none of our business. Shame!!
It was written to spark dialogue, not as an insult. I have plenty of other reasons to criticize this council. Stay tuned, they are coming.
Peter; Do you just like seeing what you write or what, get a life. I have never seen anyone spew so much BS constantly
I love this little scooter. It’s sad the about the circumstance of the owner…but wondering how many miles per gallon with it?
Love this photo. Thanks Matt for pointing out what everyone else is already thinking. Poor people not represented in this town at all.
Not represented in the entire Country. Policy makers are swayed by money at all level of government, to make policies that help those with the money.
Rich get richer, poor get poorer.
I wasn’t aware that poverty only takes place in Mason City. How dare the Mayor not abolish this! Your and idiot!
You’re welcome buddy! Have a great day and thanks for reading NIT.
Reading this website takes so much less effort than driving around the block to take a second look at a car wreck. Please don’t ever charge for this.
What dumb comment. I’d pay for NIT, it’s worth it. Can’t get the real news anywhere else.
I saw the guy at the Police Station on Monday morning. He was trying to get a license plate for his motor bike and had been at the court house before trying the police. He has no home, No telephone no job and told the officer he had no friends here in Mason City. He came here from Nebraska and I thought he said Grand Island. Why he is here is anyone’s guess but he probably heard that we have the easiest welfare in the midwest. All you have to do is have a residence and you have it. Including title 19 (medicaid).
surprised she didnt force him out of his parking spot… she mighthave to walk a few extra feet to the front door
I saw this person out by Hobby Lobby driving his mini bike. My first thought was “how cool”, but then I became worried because it’s obviously not street legal. The thought of personal transportation has definitely been on my mind, as anyone who remembers my car project will confirm. I personally would like more of this type of transportation down the roads. We are too dominated by full size traditional modes of transportation, and really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creative options out there. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles are great for getting somewhere under a mile. My opinion is that as long as the necessary safety equipment is on the vehicle…namely turn signals, lights in the night, brake lights, and it maintains a minimum standard for speed on the applicable roadway, that it should be allowed. In fact in some neighborhoods it should be the exact opposite for how it is now. Large trucks and vehicles should NOT be allowed to drive in them. Think how much nicer it would be if your neighborhood was quiet and safe for you and your children to stroll around in.
I have not seen him actually operate in the street, it probably would be akin to a motorized bike, which requires lights at night.
I don’t want it to become a habit of unlicenced, non-DOT approved vehicles sharing the road with normal traffic. This includes snowmobiles. If it ain’t DOT, it belongs off-road.
I guess we made an exception for Peter who’s car talks to him.
I am almost certain that if the motor is under 50cc then it does not require to be registered in iowa. also one could say they use hand signals. which everyone reading this knows… right?
The guy said it was classed as a motorbike which means he needs a light and reflector if he rides it after dark but turn signal and brake lights are not required. It is a bicycle with a motor.
More tepid editorializing from a poor writer. You’re putting yourself on the underdog end of a class war that doesn’t exist. If it did, your chosen faction would think of you as just as bad as the other elitist snobs that you’re railing against.
This is an interesting dichotomy, but not out of the ordinary by any means. We all know there are those with wealth who drive older cars and at the same time there are those who wish to play up material possessions as witnessed by the choice of vehicle they drive. Sam Walton who owned Wal-Mart drove around town in a pickup truck, an old pickup truck.
Any idea how old this BMW is? I think is a 1990s model.
I want to know what city dropped the guy off with the yellow mini-bike. All of a sudden he just shows up.
Mason City “dropped him off”.
… who is in the white truk ?
wattza truk?
dont let travis hickey see this guy near a bridge, hickey will have his police arrest him
Ticket the driver and confiscate the bike – not street legal.
Perfect rep for the third ward… has everything and does nothing! Bookie’s clown!