Letter to the Editor

City on flooding

I attended Monday's city council study session where the issue of flooding was discussed -- specifically the issue of the flooding on Copperfield where water has been 4 feet deep. The issue was brought up to see if there was anything the city could do to alleviate that much water on one of its streets. I was impressed by the resistance.

We had just listened to a presentation regarding the progress the city has made in repairing its streets. There was a comment made during the presentation that has stuck with me. Though not all the streets have been repaired, progress has been made; though not all of the 'potholes' have been fixed, many have been.

I couldn't help but to think of the day that we would hear a similar report about our flooding issues. What if the city took the same approach in helping resolve its flooding issues as it does its potholes?

I'm not saying the city should be responsible to bear the cost of fixing -- in some cases maybe -- but mostly, just as the city will send a letter requiring someone to mow their weeds, I think much ground could be gained by sending a similar letter to someone who is causing a street to flood.

I woke up with all this on my mind; then this verse was in my morning reading. "Be shepherds of God's flock who is under your care." Our city has an opportunity to be better.

MIKE JONES, Cape Girardeau