LETTERS: FACTS ABOUT JACKSON LAND PURCHASE

To the editor:

Last week I listened with interest and amusement as a small group of people were talking about how much the officials from the city of Jackson had made personally on the purchase of the new industrial tract on U.S. 61 North. I was even more amazed to find out these people even knew the exact amounts that were paid in supposed commission. When I began to explain to them that they were incorrect, I was informed they knew it for a fact and that I was the one who didn't know what I was talking about.

Well, as I am a member of the Jenkins family and as I was also the family representative in the sale, I may know just a little bit more about the sale than they think I do. As I am in a position to help clear up any misunderstanding that may have occurred, I felt it necessary to correct this misconception at once.

In no way has any city official received any compensation for this sale, whether it be aboveboard or behind closed doors. In fact, I know of several city officials who have put many hours into this project with absolutely no benefit to them personally. However, I can assure you that if any one of them had asked me to buy them lunch, I would have been glad to. But to date no one has asked, although I fear this might change now, since I'm opening myself up for a free lunch.

Anyone who knows our family knows that for many years our family farm could not have been bought at almost any price. However, by the honest, straightforward hard work of certain city officials, and because of the pride the Jenkins family has in the Jackson community, this sale became a reality. It is my understanding that both state and local economic development professionals feel this was an excellent step forward for both Jackson and Cape Girardeau County and will serve as a huge stepping-stone for the economic future of the Jackson area.

In closing, as Jackson embarks on a very important part of its economic future, I felt it vitally important to set the record straight now, prior to any such talk and rumor hindering our growth and development.

KEVIN W. SAWYER

Jackson