Board of aldermen likely to continue Magnet funding

Mitch Robinson offered no excuses as he stood before the Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday.

The city rejected the executive director of Cape Girardeau Area Magnet's funding request in December. After Monday's meeting, the aldermen say they will likely approve funding Magnet for another year at $24,269.

"I still have reservations," said Alderman Larry Cunningham, who represents Ward 3. "He was on probation last year, and I told him that when I questioned him. He didn't show up for his quarterly meetings. He was kind enough to say 'I don't have an excuse.' I appreciated that."

Robinson answered Cunningham's questions about his work process, which includes finding potential companies through state offices or commercial real estate brokers, among other sources. He told the board some of his time is spent showing communities to prospects. His report did not include the number of hours spent working for Jackson specifically.

"Communication is something we always strive to improve and maintain," Robinson said Wednesday.

He said he agreed to meet with city officials quarterly, even if there is no big news to report.

Mark Dambach, elected to represent Ward 3 in 2007, had questioned Magnet's value to the city, but missed Monday's meeting to attend a family funeral. He met with Mayor Barbara Lohr and city administrator Jim Roach earlier in the day. Since Monday, he's also called or met with other aldermen, he said.

"I am new, and I do respect their opinions," he said.

Dambach said he understands Robinson must meet confidentiality requirements set by businesses exploring their options.

"Mitch has a little bit of a challenge there on how to let us know what's going on but not blow it for businesses," he said.

"I think we need to stay in that circle he represents, Cape, Scott City, the county and Jackson," said Alderman Joe Bob Baker. "If somebody does come looking in this area to develop, we want to be in that circle. I really think Mitch has got our best interests at heart."

The real test, the aldermen said, will be seeing whether Robinson can help the city fill spaces at Center Junction, or the 50-acre industrial development planned for a west-side site on U.S. 61, and around the East Main Street interchange at Interstate 55.

Cunningham said he won't support future funding if Robinson can't deliver before the end of the year.

Robinson's first quarterly report will be in March, but the date has not yet been confirmed. He's scheduled for the remaining quarterly reports May 5, Aug. 4 and Oct. 20.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127