Vote yes Tuesday

The proposed quarter-cent sales tax that Cape Girardeau voters are being asked to approve Tuesday is vital to the quality of city services for many years into the future. It's important that city voters who understand the urgency of this tax plan go to the polls and give their support.

It has been nearly 10 years since Cape Girardeau voters were asked to approve another sales tax that has provided enormous benefits to the city: the Transportation Trust Fund sales tax. That tax, to pay for major street improvements, was approved by a wide majority.

There are two major reasons the transportation sales tax received such hearty support. One is the fact that the funds were set aside for specific projects that were identified in advance. Voters like that kind of accountability.

The other reason voters supported the transportation tax is because it expired at the end of five years. In order to continue the tax, city voters had to be convinced that the tax revenue has been spent wisely and as promised. Sure enough, when the second five-year transportation tax was put before voters -- again with a specific list of projects -- it received strong support. Next year, voters will be asked to approve a third round of street improvements and to extend the tax another five years.

There are many similarities between the transportation tax and the fire department tax on Tuesday's ballot. Half of the fire tax will expire at the end of 10 years. It will be up to the city council then to decide whether to ask voters to extend that portion of the tax. If voters are convinced the revenue has been spent well and wisely, they will be inclined to renew it.

In addition, the revenue from the fire tax has been designated for specific needs over the next 10 years. And the money will be set aside in a trust fund for those purposes.

City officials have shown how trust funds for specific projects can benefit the city in ways that simply would not be possible without voter-approved special taxes. That's what they are asking voters to approve Tuesday.

Cape Girardeau needs the equipment and facilities this tax will pay for. It needs trained firefighters and police officers who will make a career commitment to this city. There are no frills anywhere on the fire tax spending list.

This sales tax deserves to be approved. Cape Girardeau residents who love this city and all of its amenities understand the importance of voting yes on Tuesday. But their support won't pass the sales tax unless they vote.

Please vote in Tuesday's election. It's essential to our city.