JACKSON CANDIDATE WANTS WHAT'S BEST FOR THE FUTURE (ANOTHER VIEW)

Recent articles in the Southeast Missourian and Cash Book Journal have suggested that I'm attacking Jackson City Hall and the administrative staff. My opponent is claiming that I am taking the "low road" in my campaign. As a candidate for alderman, I was only trying to ask fair questions and raise valid issues concerning the recent action by the city. If we don't raise the issues, what are we voting on? The questions I asked and the comments I made in my news releases were not personal. They should not have promoted a personal attack. They should not have led to a distortion of facts. And certainly an omission of facts should not have occurred. What are these people afraid of? Are they afraid to discuss the issues? Is this what prompted their dodging of questions and dredging up of unrelated issues?

Let's look at the 60-acre tract of land recently purchased by the city, which is designated for industrial development. Why was this property purchased without an appraisal? Why wasn't there an engineering study made to estimate development costs? Why wasn't there an investigation of the subsurface conditions to determine the depth and quantity of rock? Why wasn't a Phase One environmental study made to determine those environmental issues that may affect industrial development. Why was this purchase made with taxpayers' money and without the benefit of public input? Am I attacking City Hall by asking these questions? I don't think so. I just want honest answers, and these questions demand legitimate, honest answers.

An appraiser with many years of experience provided me with comparable land sales in the Jackson area. This data clearly show the city paid about twice the value of surrounding land. In other words, this land should have sold for about $8,000 per acre. Why did they do this? If I had been guilty of this type of business decision, I wouldn't want to discuss it either. This is a fact which Sam Blackwell, the Southeast Missourian's reporter, knew before writing his personal attack on me. Why did he withhold information from the readers?

Why did the city purchase this tract of land? Who approached whom? Was the city looking for industrial land? If so, why wasn't a search committee appointed to study different tracts and ensure the citizens they were expending money in the best possible manner? Were there any alternative sites? When dealing with industrial development land, environment issues are critical. The following facts are not controversial:

1. No appraisal regarding the value of the land. Comparable land values indicate a cost of $8,000 per acre, not $15,000.

2. No Phase One environmental study.

3. No report from the Office of Historic Preservation.

4. No core drilling for rock.

5. No cost estimate for infrastructure improvements.

6. No cost estimate for electricity.

7. No engineering cost for development.

8. No alternate site considerations.

There are no utilities available at this site. This site is not on the list of projects (and can't be added) slated to receive infrastructure improvements with the city's $10 million bond issue. Ten acres of this property are located in and adjacent to a designated flood-hazard area. The city discourages development in these areas, and the city's floodplain director has encouraged the county to prohibit development.

The city stated this ground can be used for a park or for a water-detention basin. This land is subject to flooding. How can a detention basin be constructed in a floodway? Do they plan on routing Goose Creek through this land? Better check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency first. Constructing a detention basis requires construction of levees or dams. FEMA does not allow this in a floodway. This is a preposterous statement.

As for using this land as a park, isn't $15,000 per acre rather expensive? I believe almost everyone can agree on this. Do we need another park this close to our main city park? Do the citizens want their children playing in a park that lies along a busy highway across from an industrial site? Public input should have been actively solicited. After all, this is an expenditure of $150,000 plus the cost of development into either a park or a flood-storage area.

The city of Jackson has listed this industrial site in the Missouri Economic Development Council's fall and winter publication. This listing is usually reserved for industrial sites that are ready for development or those that have the infrastructure, clearance etc. completed. This is a misrepresentation of the site. This site has not been submitted to the Office of Historic Preservation for its clearance. Stephen Wilson is listed as the contact person for this site. This advertisement shows the 10-plus acres of land in the flood zones being available for development. Is it a park, detention basin or industrial development? It will be about two more years before the city can have the infrastructure and power available to this site.

This is only one of many issues of concern. I only want my town, your town, to be a better place to live. Jackson is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth. As we head into the new millennium, we need experienced management and fresh, new ideas. The city's purchase of the industrial tract is a clear indication that changes are needed. Effective management is imperative to preserve our heritage and quality of life and to maximize the value of the taxpayers' money. I am committed to making our town the best possible place to live and raise our children.

I believe my land-development experience would be a valuable asset to the Board of Aldermen. I know the proper procedures before spending a million dollars of taxpayers' money. I have been involved with the planning and development of thousands of acres of land.

My opponent has served the city for a long time. Change is inevitable. And it's time for a change. Experience and technical expertise are demanded as we approach the next century. I want to take steps that will ensure a bright future for Jackson.

Chris Bowen is a candidate for alderman in Jackson's municipal election April 6.