COMPROMISING ON STREETS

A fair-minded compromise will speed up work on the New Madrid-Henderson street intersection on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The university wants the intersection improved before the new College of Business building opens next August.

The Cape Girardeau City Council's initial rejection had nothing to do with the project's worthiness. The intersection of New Madrid and Henderson is confusing and hazardous. Had the project not been a city priority, it would never have made the list developed prior to this year's successful vote on a sales tax for street improvements. Councilmen were legitimately concerned about moving the intersection work ahead of other transportation projects, as requested by the university. The project was 19th out of 20 projects approved by voters.

At first, the university's fund-raising foundation offered to lend the city the money for one year to expedite the work. Later, the offer extended to four years.

The council agreed to reimburse the foundation on Jan. 1, 1999, if projected revenue from the transportation tax is available to complete all 20 projects on the street improvement plan. If not, the city will reimburse the university by April 1, 2000.

The compromise speeds up improvements to a street hazard without compromising voter trust. Everyone is a winner.