I was in a meeting with someone from another town last week who had learned of the construction around the square. We spoke of the situation for a minute and then she, without the slightest tone of amusement in her voice, said:

“Do you guys ever get the feeling you are living on another planet?”

Hmmm. Maybe that is just it.

It is difficult to look this sorry chain of events and not see evidence of gross incompetence. And not just incompetence on the part of a few, but on many. There should be no scapegoat in this matter.

No, this is a scape-herd if it is anything at all.

Let's consider for a moment just how this had to go down.

Before the bid was ever let or any contract ever signed, these are the people who knew about the construction: From the city of Marshall, City Manager Frank Johnson, who has been a part of most, if not all, Wonderland of Lights festivals; Mayor Ed Smith, who has lived in Marshall for most, if not all, Wonderland of Lights festivals; all city commissioners most of whom have been around for most, if not all, Wonderland of Lights festivals, and assorted other city officials whom, you guessed it, have been around for most, if not all, Wonderland of Lights festivals.