It has been just two years ago, almost to the day, that the Marshall City Commission passed an ordinance creating the Marshall Image Advisory Board.

My, how spirits were high in those halcyon days. This was the start of something big. We even said so in The Marshall News Messenger.

With this committee using its powers, we said Marshall could become a “model” city.

Most everyone believed it was true.

It was not true. Well, it was the start of something big: A big disappointment.

In fact, the Image Advisory Board has been – at least to this moment – a complete and miserable failure.

Yes. Miserable – just the way it makes me feel. The appellation fits most especially when you consider the amount of work to be done and the amount of work that actually has been accomplished.

I urge you not to take my word. Look around Marshall and tell me how much impact you have seen over the last two years. If you can spot significant differences – and can show they had anything at all to do with the city's efforts to fix them – please call me so we can take pictures for posterity.