MASON CITY – Current and former mayors of Mason City all believe in the proposed Renaissance Project for the downtown area.
The Globe Gazette reports that former mayors Jean Marinos and Roger Bang have given their full support for the project.
According to the Globe, the pair “are urging voters to approve related ballot proposals Nov. 7.”
Two ballot proposals facing voters need 60% approval for passage. Success for those measures mean an arena and pavilion in Southbridge Mall, plus a new hotel, skywalk, museum and conference center. Proponents say construction of these projects will lead the community into the future and entice doctors and other professionals to town.
Along with Bang and Marinos, former mayor Bill Schickel is a major supporter of the project. He has led numerous public forums in recent weeks designed to educate the public on the project, and has voted in favor of the deal every step of the way.
Current mayor Eric Bookmeyer has been a chief architect of the Renaissance Project and pitched the deal to state officials who hold the key to potential millions of dollars that could go to completing the project and paying of general obligation bonds that would be used to get the project off the ground.
