Friends of Marion Mayor Raising $60,000 for Bronze Statue

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ What started as a joke several years ago is becoming a reality.

Kevin McConnell, owner of Life Line Ambulance said that after the mayor--Marion's Bob Butler-- was dead a statue should be built.

"As time went on the idea of a statue seemed even more appropriate," McConnell said.

He approached the mayor for permission to do it.

"The mayor was not really excited about it, but said we could if we wanted," McConnell added. "There were two stipulations he had - no tax money could be used and no city workers could be used."

After getting the mayor's permission, McConnell sought and received the city council's approval and also approval from the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

McConnell said that even though the statue will be honoring the mayor, there would be a plaque with a list of all 25 council members who have been elected during his term.

The six foot bronze statue will stand on a three foot granite pedestal.

McConnell started truly working on this project several weeks ago and has received $15,000 in pledges.

"We have established a board consisting of George Trammel, Steve Lappin, Yolande Peterson, Todd Goodman and Joe Hayes," McConnell said.

There will be one side of the pedestal that will have donor plaques for $500, "1,000 and $1,500.

Mayor Butler said that he was very flattered, but did not feel it was deserved.

"One thing that pleases me is that all of the council members will be listed," Butler said. "With all of the growth of the city this has been much more than a one-man show. We have had a great group of people who have worked well with the united effort for the good of the city."

McConnell said that this project will be done as money is available and that it would take at least 6-months to receive the statue after it is ordered."

The total estimated cost--$60,000.