DEMOCRACY BEST SERVED WHEN VOTERS INFORMED

In a little over two months, Americans will return to the polls casting ballots on people and issues that will affect our lives for years to come. Now, is the time to begin the education process on the issues we will consider Nov. 3.

At the local level, ward representation is the issue in Cape Girardeau, while Scott City voters will consider a sales tax.

The Cape Girardeau City Council this week will consider a citizens petitions seeking a vote to change council representation. The group wants to replace the at-large method of electing council members with a zone system. In Scott City, voters will be asked to approve a quarter-cent sales tax for a new fire truck and accessories. The tax, which includes a five-year sunset clause, would generate about $55,000 a year.

At the Cape Girardeau County level, zoning is the major issue.

Since Cape Girardeau County voters approved county planning in 1972, the county commission has the authority under state law to enact a zoning ordinance without going back to a vote of the people. But the county commission has delayed any action until after the November election, which was prompted by an initiative petition drive. Citizens will not vote on a specific plan, but rather on the concept of planning and zoning. If voters say yes to planning and zoning Nov. 3, the ordinance approved by the county commission will take effect Jan. 1. A negative vote would, in fact, abolish the planning commission, and many of the regulations the county has adopted over the past 20 years.

Opponents worry the zoning will diminish property owner control. They say a vote 20 years ago should not give the county authority to adopt an 80-page book of rules that affect everyone today. County officials say orderly planning and zoning is the only way for the county to progress. They say zoning restrictions have been distorted and plan an educational effort, which should begin in the coming weeks.

This is an important debate that we should all follow closely. The outcome will affect future development of Cape Girardeau County.

At the state level, riverboat gambling and term limitations will likely be ballot issues in November.

Missourians will consider whether to jump aboard riverboat gambling Nov. 3. Proponents say the measure will stimulate the economy and boost tourism. Opponents worry about the influences and dangers of legalized gambling. Neighboring Illinois has already passed such a measure; The closest Illinois gambling boat will be stationed at Metropolis. Known as Proposition A, this measure would limit gambling to riverboats traveling on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. A boat could not dock in a city without a local vote of approval. Several cities, such as St. Louis, St. Charles and Ste. Genevieve, are planning local option votes on the November ballot as well. The proposed law would limit wagers to $500 per person per cruise.

It also appears a term limitation measure will be on the ballot in November. The proposal would limit Missouri legislators' terms to eight years in the House and eight in the Senate. It would not count the time a legislator has served prior to November. Voter dissatisfaction has spurred this legislation. But opponents say limits would not guarantee better lawmakers, since it takes awhile to learn the ropes. In March, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled California could limit legislative terms because it doesn't violate the constitutional right of any legislator or voter.

Judicial retention will be another issue this fall in Missouri.

During the past year, the Missouri judiciary has launched a diligent campaign to inform voters as to why it's important to retain competent state judges. They feel voter frustration has sent judge retention rates plummeting, not rejection of specific judges. Their campaign to put faces with names is noteworthy, and deserves voter attention.

These won't be the only issues on the ballot in November. The final deadline for placing issues on the ballot has not yet passed and other ballot issues are expected to be added, including several proposed constitutional amendments. But with just two months remaining before the election, now is the time for voters to begin the educational process. If not, the Nov. 3 ballot chocked full of candidates and issues will simply overwhelm voters. A democracy is best served by informed choices.