Jackson faces unsettling questions

A description of the well-polished image of Jackson reads like a dream brochure any chamber of commerce would be proud to hand out: A small but fast-growing community whose housing, businesses, industries, schools, churches and amenities make it a magnet for newcomers who seek the charm of neighborhood life and a lifestyle that is both safe and prosperous.

Such an image doesn't happen by accident. Years of planning and effort have produced the modern city of Jackson whose biggest concern is growing pains.

Leadership throughout the community has guided Jackson's good fortune and reputation, and one of those leaders for the past decade has been Mayor Paul Sander. The mayor, the Jackson Board of Aldermen and the city administration have, from all appearances, created an enabling climate for development and growth.

And the way Jackson residents rallied when a devastating tornado struck last May set an excellent example for the way community resources can pull together to make things right even in the wake of a tragedy.

But success tends to attract its share of critics too. Most of the grumbling in recent years has been confined to coffee-shop chatter and an occasional flare-up in the heat of an election or a dispute over city hall's rules and those who enforce them.

During the mayoral election in 1999, the issue was raised about the use of city equipment and crew to locate a sewer at a house being sold outside the city limits. Sander, who has been a real estate agent for years, was the listing agent for the house. Sander offered to reimburse the city for the equipment and crew, but the city declined. The city administrator said last week that it was not uncommon for the city to allow the sewer-locating equipment and crew to be used for private jobs. After the issue was brought up in the 1999 campaign, an investigation by the city attorney revealed no improprieties.

Early this year, that issue was raised again, along with some other suggestions of improprieties by the mayor. The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department began investigating after the April elections. Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle withdrew from the investigation, and a special prosecutor from the attorney general's office took over. In recent weeks, investigators have examined real estate transactions involving Sander along with allegations that the purchase of an industrial park by the city, some city appointments and some zoning and annexation issues weren't handled properly.

Sander's attorney insists the claims of wrong-doing are unfounded. Those whom investigators say are behind the current allegations are reluctant to speak publicly about their claims. One even told a reporter for the Southeast Missourian he had never made any allegations.

But the allegations are out there now. And even if the current investigation results in no charges, there will be a blemish on Jackson's image.