City cooperation

While Cape Girardeau and Jackson are friendly rivals, especially in high school sports, the two largest communities in Cape Girardeau County have found ways to work together to benefit business, development, construction and road improvements.

Each year the Cape Girardeau City Council and the Jackson Board of Aldermen meet to update long-term plans and discuss mutual concerns, a practice that started in 1998. In addition, officials of both cities regularly communicate with each other in an effort to produce results that benefit the area and not just one municipality.

During the most recent joint meeting last week, elected officials of both cities discussed improving highway access to their communities and establishing uniform building codes.

By joining together on big projects, both Jackson and Cape Girardeau benefit, the mayors said. The two communities, acting as a single force, carry more weight when lobbying with the Missouri Department of Transportation, for example.

Cape Girardeau and Jackson officials know that finding ways to simplify government benefits their residents. The two cities are to be commended for discussing like-minded projects and joining forces for improvements when necessary.