LETTERS: JACKSON LAND COST $20,000 AN ACRE

To the editor:

Using Speak Out as a public forum has always concerned me. My basic feeling is that it can serve as a useful emotional outlet. The problem area is that it is a rumor mill that does not require crosschecks to see if the information has any validity. There is humor and hurt, truth and travesty. More often than not, the tone is negative, but that is not your problem. Positive people should take the time to call in.

Specifically, If I would call Speak Out and tell them that I don't like the idea that the Southeast Missourian is going to raise the price of the paper to $7 an issue in Jackson so they can build a new building for printing presses in Cape, I don't think you would publish that yarn.

When someone calls and you publish a yarn (Speak Out, May 31) that Jackson School District paid $65,000 an acre for 12 acres of land, I find that very disappointing. Yes, we did purchase 16 acres for $20,000 an acre for future building of an elementary school, with the developer paying for the infrastructure (paved street and utilities).

Whether it be city, school, churches or industry, I'm sure that anyone in those entities would be happy to give you correct information. Let us keep Cape County a great place to live and do the best we can to keep peace in the area.

T. WAYNE LEWIS

President

Jackson Board of Education

Jackson