Compromise needed on River Campus

To the editor:

I can't help but stand on the sidelines of this debate over the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus project and be a bit flustered. I retired from the legislature in 2002 after four terms representing the good people of Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties. During my last term I also served as the assistant Republican leader. There is no doubt of my ability to recall the River Campus project. In those days, as a Republican it was a historic feat to get millions in the budget for these kinds of projects. In fact, Republicans and Democrats alike realized the value this project would bring to the people of our region and to our state. I supported this project then, and I support it now.

I have followed this debate closely. In fact, many of the folks involved are people I consider dear friends. As well, these people are some of the smartest and most passionate individuals I know. There is no one who appreciates passion more than I do. But I can't help but see a trend in this debate that is potentially disastrous.

The governor has hit a home run with his MOHELA plan. This is the kind of innovative forward thinking this state needs in frantic financial times. The people deserve a good debate on how to best spend this money, and I am certain they will get it. However, I hope that at the end of the day all of my friends will sit down and put things in perspective. I encourage them to do so. This kind of opportunity may not emerge again in the foreseeable future. Simply put, this issue and what is at stake are much bigger then any individual participant in this debate. I truly believe that when two sides come together with the best interest of the people in mind, good things will come of it. I know from experience these folks are capable of getting it done.

PATRICK A. NAEGER, Perryville, Mo.