BY THE WAY: PUBLIC CAN INFLUENCE ORDER OF ROAD PROJECTS

How many times have you tried to make a left turn from Sprigg Street to Broadway and found yourself risking an accident to avoid waiting for another light?

You could use the help of an arrow right about now. It's been like that for some time.

It doesn't seem like that big of a deal until you find yourself in the same situation more times than you care to count. If it's a danger to one person it can be a hazardous situation for many others.

How about signs that tell out-of-town folks how to get to Southeast Missouri State University or the Show Me Center. There is only one for the university and it's located on William. It just shows an arrow in the general direction of the university. You're on your own after that.

Perhaps that's why the enrollment has dropped off so dramatically in the last few years. Nobody from another town can find the place.

The Show Me Center? I guess you just have to pull into a gas station and ask someone to show you.

"I remember someone asked me how to get to the university and they were a mile and a half away," one woman said at the Vision 2000 transportation meeting.

The first of a dozen meetings to discus transportation needs and sources of funding started out slowly at First Baptist Church Tuesday. However, those who attended started to warm up to the format and helped identify problems they have experienced over the years.

Melvin Gateley, who is orchestrating these meetings, urged citizens to make their opinions known now while decisions are being made by the powers that be.

Apparently most of the 37 citizens who showed up think there should be some type of public transportation made available for those who aren't taking advantage of taxi coupons. Maybe the same people who are unable to get transportation to purchase the coupons are the very ones who think it would be easier to ride a bus to the mall, downtown or church.

There are 11 more chances to get involved to make streets and transportation better in this town. The more who provide input, the better the city will be able to address the needs of the people.

"I thought we'd get about 10 or 15 people today," Gateley said. "Thirty-seven is pretty good. I think we can get a lot more as these meetings continue."

The next meeting is Thursday 7 p.m. at the Westminister Presbyterian Church.

~Bill Heitland is a staff writer for the Southeast Missourian.