Trending
When Roger Kalter spoke as a long-time citizen and one time councilman of Marietta about someone cutting down a tree at Knox Park and another person pouring a driveway that encroaches on the park property, he was openly mocked by some members of the present city council.
Many years ago, Roger got permission to put a raised bed flower garden in the park in his mother's memory. Paid for and built by Roger. He also paid for a city water hook up to help maintain the flower bed. That hook up also served as a watering place for people walking their dogs.
As citizens of this country, we are encouraged to "see something say something." If you see someone breaking the law you should say something, not look the other way. That is what Roger did. As a "reward" for him doing his civic duty he has been mocked by the city council and the water has been shut off at the park and the valve handle has been removed and damaged in a way that the valve will need to be replaced. If the city did this, sham on them, if someone else did this they should be arrested for destroying city property. Also, if the city lets these two citizens get away with this, then it sets a precedent for the next time someone does something similar,
The park belongs to all Marietta residents. Cutting down a tree on city property is called vandalism. Pouring concrete on public property for personal use is theft. Instead of punishing the offenders they are being rewarded for what they did, while Roger, who has for years been actively involved with improving the city, is being punished. Make it right!
While I am not presently a Marietta resident, I was born there and lived there for over 50 years, retiring to the country and I will always cherish its beauty and history.