FIVE BALLOT ISSUES ARE WORTHY OF VOTER SUPPORT

In the last eight days, the Southeast Missourian, in keeping with the traditional role of newspapers, has provided editorial endorsements for several measures on Tuesday's ballot. Voters face some important matters. Decisions made at the ballot box will direct our state, county and city for many years to come.

Cape Girardeau voters will decide five separate issues: Proposition B; the city's proposed purchase of the water plant; approval of a gas franchise and an electric franchises between the city and Union Electric; and Enhanced-911 service for Cape Girardeau County. All five issues are worthy of voter approval. The following is a review of the Southeast Missourian's editorial positions on these measures.

Proposition B is not so much a matter of money as it is of reform. The actual cost to taxpayers is minimal: A family of median income in Missouri would pay just 42 cents a month for this package. But the improvements to education could be far-reaching.

Money raised will not be dish~ed out haphazardly to public schools and universities. Payments will be tied to reform, and that is why Proposition B is so different. It will bring an increased level of accountability to Missouri's educational system.

Proposition B will bring the following mandates: smaller class size, expansion of the successful Parents as Teachers program; a degree of parental choice in public schools; longer school year; school report cards; enhanced programs and increased scholarships at universities, among other reforms. This proposal is full of meaningful improvements for Missouri's public schools and colleges.

Cape Girardeau voters will face three separate utility issues. At the forefront is the city's proposed plan to purchase the water plant from Union Electric.

The facts are simple: Union Electric wants to sell the plant. The city can buy it or the plant will be sold to a private firm. The rate increase will be slight with city ownership, but costs could skyrocket under private operation.

City ownership makes sense. Most cities own and operate their own water system. Payment will come from city issuance of $11.8 million in revenue bonds. No tax increase will be necessary. City buyout of the water plant represents a good bargain for residents.

The same applies for the two, 20-year franchise agreements with Union Electric for operation of the electric and gas utilities. These new franchises give the city greater powers and enforcement capacity. The agreements represent a new cooperative partnership between the city and Union Electric.

Current franchises expired two years ago, and it's time to approve these new agreements.

Enhanced-911 will cost pennies a day, but could save a life in Cape Girardeau County. This proposal would upgrade the 911 system in the city of Cape Girardeau, and expand service to all other areas of the county that have done without this important service for too long.

The E-911 system will automatically display a caller's telephone number and location to an emergency dispatcher. It can cut response times by emergency agencies.

Even the most optimistic estimates project voter turnout Tuesday to be 30 percent or less. That means a minority of people will decide issues that affect all citizens. Our hope is that the many news stories that have been published in this newspaper on these issues have been helpful in educating the electorate.

If you want a decision in the future of Missouri's education, Cape Girardeau's water, electric and gas franchises, and emergency 911 service in Cape Girardeau County, you must go to the polls and cast your ballot. All five issues deserve your support Tuesday.