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Public commenters urge reading Declaration at July events and raise local safety, heritage concerns
Summary
During public comment, Eddie Len proposed reading the Declaration of Independence at July events as part of Marion’s 250th observance, and Dr. Charles Wom urged local commemoration of Arthur Campbell while reporting a safety incident at the town water pump station.
Marion — Two residents used the public-comment period at Marion’s council meeting to propose local observances and to raise a safety concern.
Eddie Len asked the council to allow him to read the Declaration of Independence at Riverbend’s Fourth of July programming and at the baseball-stadium event on July 5 as part of the town's 250th celebration. Len said he has printed copies to distribute and offered to coordinate logistics with event staff; council members directed him to share contact information with Chief Testerman and Mr. Heath to work out timing and coordination. "I would personally like to be able to read the Declaration of Independence at both events," Len said.
Dr. Charles Wom provided a local-history account tied to the Commonwealth of Virginia's 250th anniversary and urged establishment of a museum or markers to honor Arthur Campbell. He also described encountering a trespasser at the town water pump station who refused to leave, was vaping, and allegedly threatened him; Dr. Wom said he called 911 and asked the council to be aware of the situation. The council thanked both speakers and closed the public comment period.
Council members did not take formal action on the requests but advised each speaker to coordinate with town staff for logistics and safety follow-up.
