We need a semi-Willie Stark, except that our populist needs to care as much for the middle class as the poor.

Come to think of it, we do have a semi-Willie Stark here and her name is Katie Jones. Katie Jones for mayor.

As it stands, we have Mayor Ed Smith – who is elected by Marshall’s city commission, not the people – who is out of town much of the time pursuing private business interests.

We have a city manager who works hard to maintain the status quo. Frank Johnson hasn’t had a new idea he was willing to pursue in the 2.5 years I’ve been back home.

Instead, he is hostile to every citizen who favors positive change for the city.