Former mayors share their wisdom

Getting Cape Girardeau's mayors together this week at City Hall was a good way to honor the men who have served the city over the past 35-plus years.

But, more importantly, it was a good way to bring the former mayors up to date on the proposed tax-and-fee issues that will be on the April 8 ballot.

Six of the former mayors -- J. Ronald Fischer, Ivan Irvin, Howard Tooke, Paul Stehr, Gene Rhodes and Al Spradling III -- attended a private briefing and reception.

These are mayors who had to deal with urgent city needs in their own day and could be expected to shed some light on the city's plans for a sales-tax increase, a new users tax, extension of a property tax and a storm-water fee.

Jay Knudtson, the current mayor, heard some straight talk from the former mayors.

Among other things, they said the four-pronged revenue plan may be confusing to many voters. And they said some voters may not be inclined to support tax increases when the economy is down.

But, in general, the former mayors said they understood the city's financial predicament and urged the current administration to educate voters before the April vote.

All in all, it was a good way to get valuable input and ideas.