COUNCILMEN THANKED FOR SERVICE TO CITY

As the nation muses over perks available to elected leaders in Washington, it seems quaint to ponder any presumed privilege that comes from serving a municipal government. Those who observe city councils objectively and over a period of years can't fathom why anyone would want the job. Yet, people do. For those earnest souls who are leaving the Cape Girardeau City Council, we express our appreciation.

It's ironic, given the degree of acrimony often aimed at them, but these council members must consider their work a labor of love. There is no glory involved, rarely any fame. There is a stipend, but hardly enough to cover the inconvenience and expense of driving around to examine each site up for a special use permit. The work is most often at night, and constituents show no hesitancy to voice their concerns at length, usually over the telephone and when the elected official is ready to put the day to rest. There comes a time when a council member must say "no" to a friend or acquaintance ... in public. The occasional controversy clings to these people, though no one seems to mention the numerous other mundane decisions they make regularly to keep city government functioning.

David Barklage has served on the council here for eight years and decided not to seek a third term. Though he came to the governing body directly from the student body presidency at Southeast Missouri State University, Barklage declined to be intimidated by older, more experienced council members. He spoke up frequently and didn't shy away from stating his views on tough issues such as the multipurpose building location, cable television regulation and conflict-of-interest requirements for city officials. He worked hard as a councilman and represented a Cape Girardeau presence on the Missouri Municipal League and the National League of Cities.

Hugh White served on the council a shorter time and is now seeking a seat in the state Senate. During his single term of service, White showed himself a quiet consensus-builder who tried to bring a businessman's common sense to the council's work. During periods of council discord, White attempted the steer the governing body away from personality conflicts and back to the business of the city.

Service in city government is too often thankless. Our small commendation here is meant to signal to these gentlemen that their work was noticed and made a difference in our community.