CITY NAMES QUALIFIED ADVISERS FOR RIVER CAMPUS

The Cape Girardeau City Council made it official. It appointed three members to the new River Campus Advisory Board. The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents is expected to appoint the university's representatives Sept. 2.

The city's choices are sound: Jerry Ford, Dennis Vollink and Ruth Knote.

Ford brings both entertainment and legislative experience to the table. He has served both as a state representative and lobbyist. He also performs with the Jerry Ford Orchestra.

Vollink is the required representative of the hotel-motel industry. Since the funding comes through the motel-hotel and restaurant tax, city officials have agreed that one of the board members will represent this segment.

Vollink, who has an engineering background, is president of DSW Development Co. and vice president of Drury Southwest Inc. He also has had valuable experience as a longtime member of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. He was appointed to P&Z in 1986 and resigned this past July. His past experience with historical renovations could also prove helpful.

Knote brings considerable community involvement to the position, including 36 years with the former Community Concert Association.

All three can aptly represent the community's desire that the River Campus bring more arts and cultural events to town. Their appointment is rather exciting as they help to mold this visual and performing arts center from the ground up.

The community will watch with interest as the university regents appoint the remaining three members of the board. Together, these individuals can help the River Campus realize its vast potential.