Fair hearing for county charter

I believe that the charter government presentation needs to be heard and fully evaluated by Cape Girardeau County citizens. Although I have not formally announced my support for charter government, I am very receptive to learn how this type of government would be a more effective way to manage the citizens' business.

I am on record on several occasions stating that if three people with equal authority such as our county commission were an efficient business model, corporations all over the world would be following suit.

I recognize that my views are not popular with those who are elected themselves and receive all the perks, financial and otherwise, from being in power. In their eyes, I am threatening the proverbial goose that laid the golden egg.

I would again ask my fellow elected officials to quit attacking the messenger and address the message. If, indeed, the citizens want charter government, I, like you, will lose my job. But I will be able to sleep at night, and no amount of threats, ridicule and harassment will deter me from doing what I think is right.

Now that charter government will be presented and discussed at the county commission, it is my hope that a dialogue between elected county officials and the citizens will begin in earnest relating to how county government can best serve its citizens. In the near future it is my hope that after much public discussion and debate that my fellow commissioners will consider putting a vote for county charter government on the ballot so our citizens can declare loud and clear what type of government they desire. We as public servants should not stand in the citizens' way even if it involves losing our jobs.

JAY PURCELL, District 2 Commissioner, Cape Girardeau County Commission