Fire sales tax provides remedy

To the editor:

I was pleased to say yes when asked to serve as treasurer of the fire sales tax campaign. As a lifelong resident, I can't imagine a Cape Girardeau where our police and fire professionals are underpaid and poorly equipped. Unfortunately, that is the situation today.

The specifics of our problem have been spelled out in a comprehensive brochure available at the public library and other locations:

The current Jaws of Life equipment used by our firefighters to rescue victims is nearly 20 years old. During an extrication in March it failed to work.

Our police and fire departments do not have adequate personal safety equipment, and the city has not been able to purchase a new police car since 1998.

The life expectancy of a pumper fire truck is 20 years. Our fire department has two 1973 trucks still in use. Our only ladder truck has continuing mechanical and electrical problems.

The list of needs is long, but none is more urgent than the fact that, since September, our police department has averaged a 30 percent turnover in personnel due largely to the fact that our wages are not competitive.

The fire sales tax would remedy that situation, along with providing the equipment necessary to maintain the kind of safe and secure Cape Girardeau we all know and love.

Sue and I are enthusiastic in our support of this important issue and sincerely urge our fellow citizens to join us in voting yes on June 8.

DON McNEELY

Cape Girardeau