ASK JACKSON

The Southeast Missourian asked, "What do you think is the greatest challenge facing Jackson's community leaders?"

Julie Adams: "Jackson is growing so fast that they are going to have to make a new decision about schools, whether to build new schools or hire more staff. It seems we are getting more students every year."

Brad Mirly: "I think that drugs and violence are becoming a hazard to Jackson. That means we can't do the things we normally do and feel safe about it. With more people moving here, it will increase our problems."

Bill Green: "It's dealing with the growth of the city. Growth is both good and bad. The city and county get more money in taxes, but they get more problems, too. As long as they can keep the crime rate down, growth won't be so bad."

Debra Wolfenkoehler: "I would think they are concerned about maintaining the quality of life in Jackson to the high standard that it is, with the influx of people coming to Jackson for their children to obtain a quality education."

Jeane Godwin: "As fast as Jackson is growing, I think the biggest challenge is to be able to continue to provide our community with the quality of schools, library and public services we have at the present."