Fort Smith must support tax for marshals museum

The United States Marshal Service was appointed by President George Washington in 1789. It was the first national law enforcement agency in America.

Reflecting upon how the museum landed in Fort Smith, I remember when many, many towns and cities wanted this national treasure. Fort Smith citizens, with all of their enthusiasm, telephoned, wrote letters, used social media and personal visits to several locations to express their sincere desire to locate a national museum in Fort Smith on the banks of the river facing the outlaw territory.

Fort Smith again showed the pride our citizens displayed on many other occasions.

It seems that the powers-to-be recognized it was the very foundation of Fort Smith area heritage. They recognized that the museum will be:

1. An educational tool for all school children and all ages.

2. Another example of our nationally recognized heritage as a key western town.

3. A way to jump-start the riverfront development, which will aid every single person and entity in the region.

The vote March 12 for the marshals museum is not for a normal, sleepy museum. It is a museum chock full of heroes from the past, heroes today who pursue danger throughout the world to bring bad, bad people to justice. And in the future might chase bad guys into outer space, like “Star Wars.”

To be certain, it is a temporary tax (nine months certain). But it is for a noble purpose.

Please just do it! Vote yes for one cent investment and let’s move forward.

RICHARD J. UDOUJ

Fort Smith