Cooperative effort resulted in significant step by voters

By Danny Essner

Tuesday, April 8, was truly a great day for Cape Girardeau. On that day the people of Cape Girardeau took the first step in significantly improving the quality of life in our community by voting to pass the storm-water and parks and recreation initiative. Although a one-half percent sales tax increase will be required to fund this initiative, the cost for most of our citizens will be minimal, and the projects that will be funded will benefit a cross-section of our community for years to come. This will truly make Cape Girardeau an even better place to live and raise our families.

On behalf of the Yes April 8 Committee, I would like to thank those who supported this initiative. You have demonstrated your commitment to Cape Girardeau and your willingness to make a personal financial sacrifice for something that will benefit the entire community. We appreciate your confidence and trust in our committee and in our city's leaders and we do not intend to let you down. Work will begin immediately on the design and engineering for our larger projects and on the pursuit of the issuance of the bonds that will provide the bulk of our funding.

I would also like to thank all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly on our campaign. Without exception, they were passionate about the future of Cape Girardeau and worked countless hours to get the word out. Although everyone's efforts contributed to our success, we could not have accomplished our goals without the assistance of Jim Riley. Mr. Riley, who served as a core member of our volunteer committee, was our campaign strategist and put together an innovative campaign package that not only informed our citizens, but also conveyed the passion that our committee felt for this initiative.

And last, but not least, recognition should be given to those individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of our park system in the past. From the group of citizens that spearheaded the construction of the Capaha Park pool to the service clubs that have erected new shelters and playgrounds, others who have come before us have created a park system that subsequent generations have been able to use and enjoy. It is now our turn to carry on this tradition by upgrading or replacing our aging facilities and adding amenities that our children and our grandchildren will be able to enjoy for years to come.

Cape Girardeau is a wonderful place to live. We have much to be proud of and will have even more to be proud as we move forward with the completion of our projects. Thanks again to all who supported us. We can't wait to get started.

Danny Essner of Cape Girardeau is treasurer of the Yes April 8 Committee.