To the editor:

I would like to publically commend Marion County Commission and road director Randy Crawford for their commitment and efforts to improve numerous roads across our county.

A year ago, there were numerous county roads with high levels of traffic that were in disrepair and needing serious attention. Through the efforts of the commissioners and Crawford, the county road department and APAC greatly improved the means of transportation in the county. On behalf of the bus drivers and activity sponsors who transport students on a regular basis, safety has been greatly improved.

In regard to those who commute to jobs in other counties, access has been greatly improved. And in particular, for those living on these highly trafficked roads, livability has been greatly improved.

I appreciate the fact that Crawford is thinking forward to ongoing maintenance to protect the investment and build a plan for upkeep for all Marion County roads. In a time when budgets are tight, I commend the commissioners for thinking toward the future for the benefit of our entire county.

John Fast
Superintendent, USD 411