WHAT TO HOPE FOR IN 1998

With the new year already four days old it's time to see what state, county, city, community and religious leaders are hoping for during 1998.

The question addressed to all of these people was the same. What do you hope for in 1998? The answers varied from the participant's personal and professional lives and some resolutions were also given.

"I hope the entire Southeast Missouri region continues to grow and prosper in 1998 as it has in 1997. I wish everyone good health and I hope the current positive economic situation continues in Jackson throughout the year.

"My goal is for Jackson to continue to progress but it's extremely important to me that as Jackson grows, we keep the same small town--friendly atmosphere that we've always had. That is something I don't ever want to lose."--Mayor Paul Sander.

"Our biggest deal will be working on the county jail expansion. We are looking for a facility in the $4.5 million range and to house 180 inmates. We hope to bid the construction out by mid to late summer.

"We are also looking into a new juvenile justice center that will bring all the elements of juvenile justice under one roof. But this will require legislation. We are hoping to entice the Missouri Conservation Commission to locate a nice nature center in Cape County.

"We are interested in the well-being and possible expansion of our present businesses and industries and we will try to get more businesses to locate in Cape County.

"On a personal note, I hope to shoot under 100 in golf and roll over 100 in bowling."--Gerald Jones, Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner.

"I hope our congregation will begin building its new multi-purpose educational building. And I resolve that our congregation reach out to the community with the message of God's love."--Rev. David Johnson, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

"I hope that the Missouri General Assembly passes a large tax cut for working Missourians; that we pass a ban on partial-birth abortions through both houses by veto-proof margins, and then override Gov. Carnahan's veto; and that we pass legislation that is already law in 31 other states, permitting law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons to protect themselves and their families in the peaceable possession of their lives and property,"--State Sen. Peter Kinder.

"I hope this will be a year of tax relief for Missouri citizens. Hopefully, we can pass an across the board tax cut this year.

"I also hope we can get the 15-year road plan back on track. It is very important to us in Southeast Missouri to make the highway department more accountable and to get that plan back on track."--State Rep. David Schwab.

"I hope for our church, community and world will be more understanding, compassionate and trusting of one another. Our trust level is so low today that we won't help people out of fear of getting involved. We are called to care and do whatever we can to help others. So I hope we can do that and do it well."--Rev. Sam Roethemeyer, pastor at United Church of Christ in Jackson.

"I think the biggest thing is to finish the two construction projects (math and science building at the high school and the new south elementary school on Hwy. 25) in time for school in August.

"Another high priority is preparing for the first performance based assessment. We are anxious to get that underway, so we will know what we need to do to improve our student's performance. And personally I want to grow stronger in my faith and grow closer to the Lord."--Jackson R-2 Supt. Howard Jones.

"This is the year I turn 40, so I'm over the hill. Being a part of the second wave of baby boomers turning 40, means there are a whole lot of people going through mid-life crisis along with me. I'll spend time talking about meaning and purpose in life this year with anybody who's willing to listen.

"Also, due to Jackson's growth, I'll continue to work to develop community between newcomers and old timers."--Rev. Scott Lohse, pastor at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

"Some goals for the sheriff's office for 1998 are to continue to work with the community with the philosophy we are our brother's keeper and I want to continue to have positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies.

"I want to form a sheriff's office advisory panel in 1998 which will be made up of county residents which will give us a barometer for the public's concerns. It will be a very good way to get input from local citizens.

"Pay issues will have to be addressed in 1998, if we are to be able to recruit and keep the best officers which the county deserves. And on a personal note I want to be the best husband and father Kathy, Hillary and Lucas can have."--Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan.

"I want to try to do a better job of sharing the faith with our fellow members and create different activities and educational efforts towards that goal. And keeping up with community growth will be a challenge in 1998, but I hope to involve members in the parish."--Msgr. Ed Eftink, pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson.

"I want to remember my wife on Valentine's Day, stay in shape, smile more, be more patient, save money and drink less coffee and more water."--Jackson Police Chief Marvin Sides.

"For myself, I want to live with an intuitive attentiveness to the divinely inspired possibilities, known and unknown, and to be fully integrated and thoroughly marinated in the Holy Spirit recognizing God's synchronicitous grace in all areas of my life.

"For those dear to me, to move beyond wishful thinking and idle dreaming, to find courage to take the necessary risks in order to fulfill their dreams and achieve their best work. After all, if wishes were horses then beggars would ride.

"For our community, that the people of our community would take more personal responsibility to improve the conditions around us, and discover the wisdom to remedy the cause as opposed to treating the symptoms."--Rev. Grant Gillard, pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.

"Our congregation is looking to finish celebrating our Synod's 150-year celebration and we look ahead to our own congregation's centennial celebration in 1999.

"We hope by our Lord's grace to expand our own local and global outreach and support, showing our Lord's love as our own grow in his love."--Rev. Lee Cullen, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville.