GATELEY OUTLINES HIS PRIORITIES AS MAYORAL CANDIDATE

Stressing a theme of "A New Era of Enthusiasm," Cape Girardeau City Councilman Melvin Gateley, a mayoral candidate for the April 5 election, has outlined positions he believes are of utmost importance to Cape Girardeau citizens.

"My primary goal, if elected mayor, is to make the concerns of citizens my top priority," said Gateley, who is serving his second term on the council.

"A good leader knows where he is going and has the ability to influence others to follow him. My many years of experience as a public school administrator, taught me the art and skills of effective leadership. Strong leadership will be required as we plan for tomorrow."

Gateley said his other priorities include economic stability, reviewing of cumbersome building codes and low income housing, preserving parks and residential neighborhoods, fostering industrial development and improving the system of trash collection.

On the issue of trash collection, the mayoral candidate said he favors looking at all the available services (city operated, volume based, or a private hauler), then selecting the service that will be most efficient and economical for citizens. "It may even be necessary to closely examine services that are available to citizens in order to reduce costs for those citizens on fixed incomes," explained Gateley.

Discussing community redevelopment, Gateley said he wants to improve the quality of life for everyone and create an environment for community development and economic growth. "Good jobs, affordable housing, quality education, and safe neighborhoods should be accessible for every Cape Girardeau citizen," he said.

Gateley supports the implementation of the ward system and feels it will provide the council with more input from citizens by permitting an elected representative from each ward who is familiar with that precinct.

"In 1992, the voting population of Cape indicated they preferred the ward system over the at-large system," said the candidate. "This means we will have at least three new council members this year. That is why we need proven leadership from the mayor and I am willing to work closely with the council and staff in order to enhance a spirit of cooperation and caring."

The mayoral candidate favors putting a one-fourth-cent sales tax proposal before the voters April 5 in an effort to improve the city's infrastructure.

"I think it's important that we get this passed because it's crucial for all citizens to have adequate sewer service," said Gateley.

The Master Sewer Plan identified the separation of combined sewer lines and construction of sewer relief and trunk lines as necessary to serve the existing city limits as the principal five and ten-year priorities.

Gateley says leadership, commitment and cooperation will shape the direction of Cape Girardeau.

"Wishing will not bring success to these priorities, but planning, persistence and a burning desire will, because we have the people and purpose to succeed. We will accomplish great things because we not only act, but we also dream; we not only plan, but we also believe. Together, we can make our priorities materialize."

He continued, "Our future depends on a dedicated city council and mayor that will work together toward mutual goals to insure community and economic development.

"City government can expedite this adventure. The tradition of good government was started by our forefathers, who laid a solid foundation for success. This same spirit prevails today and to preserve what we have built over the past 200 years, it seems to me, that we must continue to be citizens who are interested, informed and involved in the operations of our city and its future."

Gateley, a retired public school administrator, is a member of the First Baptist Church, Breakfast Optimist Club, Cape Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Vision 2000 Community Relations Council.