Support for public safety

Once again, Cape Girardeau voters have shown they will enthusiastically support tax increases when the need is clearly defined and the revenue is earmarked for specific purposes.

Tuesday's overwhelming approval of a quarter-cent sales tax means more money for the police and fire departments.

There are many reasons why this year's plan received such strong support. The needs were specific. The tax plan was simple. And the effort to get support for the plan was good.

Mayor Jay Knudtson and city manager Doug Leslie made dozens of presentations about the city's needs and how the revenue from the sales tax would be used. Time after time, the mayor and city manager demonstrated both the reality of the near-crisis situation in the police and fire departments and addressed questions from residents who were genuinely concerned about their city and the tax plan.

Harry Rediger provided strong financial leadership of the residents' committee that worked for passage of the sales tax, along with Jim Riley, who chaired the campaign group. And Mike Smythe of KFVS12 made a personal appeal that was aired several times, citing his personal experience of having a father who was a career firefighter.

Over the next 10 years, the city hopes to make $20 million of improvements that will upgrade the police and fire departments. This will be an important enhancement of city services.