JACKSON CITY COMMENTARY; JACKSON SUMMER EVENTS FINALIZED

The Jackson Parks and Recreation Department wants you to enjoy our beautiful park system and activities this summer. Many activities, leagues and other park-related events have now been finalized. If you wish to receive a brochure or would like more information about our parks planned summer schedule, call director Shane Anderson at 243-3568.

The 2000 Census totals for Missouri were recently made public. Jackson led the way for Southeast Missouri with a 29 percent 10-year growth. We are reviewing the total that shows Jackson to have 11,947 people. No matter how accurate that total is, the fact remains that Jackson has experienced tremendous commercial and residential growth. We are proud folks that want to be a part of our growing city. Our goal is for continued orderly and planned growth to continue while maintaining our friendly small-town atmosphere. A recent Southeast Missourian editorial stated, "If population figures go up, city leaders know they're heading in the right direction. Population gains usually indicate a community offers something people want, whether its good schools, dependable city services or a healthy business community." We hope that is true of our growing city. We all make mistakes, but we are trying very hard to make decisions that are in the best interest of all the citizens and the future of Jackson. With your input and continued support, our community will continue to thrive.

Along those growth lines comes improving infrastructure. We are in the middle of major water, sewer and electric upgrades in Jackson. These projects have been explained in depth to the public many times, but the attached map shows in simple terms where the scheduled water and sewer upgrades are taking place. These projects are all part of the State Revolving Fund projects passed by the voters in 1997. By participating in the Revolving Fund the city was able to save more than $3 million for the taxpayers over the life of the bonds. If you have a question about sewer or water projects, please call the public works office at 243-2300.

The city recently received a 300-kilo-volt generator from Southwestern Bell. This generator was donated to our police and fire complex and will power all emergency operations, including 911 calls during a major power outage. This generator will increase the safety of our city.

Speaking of increased safety, we are very proud to have recently announced that the city and Cape County Ambulance service have agreed to terms that will allow an ambulance to be located in Jackson at our fire and police complex 24 hours a day. This has been a goal of mine, the council and city staff members. It is a major accomplishment for the city and will greatly reduce the response time and increase the well-being of every citizen in Jackson. Thanks to Cape County Ambulance service and everyone who was involved in making this a reality for Jackson.

The Jackson City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at City Hall in Jackson. Your suggestions and ideas on how we can improve our city are always welcome.

Signed;

Paul W. Sander

Mayor of Jackson