LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: REMEMBER GOOD THINGS HERE

To the Editor:

The Yes Group is pushing for riverboat gambling on an economic basis. They are trying to paint a very depressing picture of the economic conditions in Cape Girardeau.

As we look around Cape, we see all the good that we have going for us. Maybe we all need to be reminded of what we've got.

First, we are reminded that Cape Girardeau is listed as the 17th best small city in America to live. That alone is quite an honor. There are many reasons why it is so highly ranked.

Cape Girardeau has excellent shopping. We have a nice size mall that is thriving, Town Plaza that is doing well, a Wal-Mart Supercenter with a Sam's Club soon to join it, West Park Village, which is expanding, and many other shopping facilities that ARE thriving around Cape. Over 100 new businesses have received licenses this year.

Many people are concerned Cape's population has not grown significantly. But there are far more people that shop in Cape than live here. Cape Girardeau County has a population of 61,633 and there are over 280,00 people that live within a 40-mile radius of Cape Girardeau that contribute to Cape's economy.

Another thing to brag about is Cape's low unemployment rate. Cape has 28 businesses that each employ more than 100 people. When we look at the economic climate in the United States as a whole and the economy of surrounding counties, Cape Girardeau county is indeed fortunate.

Some people are blaming the closing of Central Hardware and now Woolworth's on Cape's economy. Cape's economy had nothing to do with those stores closing. They closed because of problems within the companies themselves.

The towns that are choosing to allow riverboat gambling are not towns that were prospering. Riverboat gambling is a last resort for many of these towns. Out of desperation they are willing to take the gamble. Is Cape willing to gamble away the good, sure things we have for the possibility of what some say is better. One thing about gambling -- there is no sure thing. The riverboat is a gamble -- not a sure thing!

Cape Girardeau is prosperous. Cape Girardeau is a good place to raise a family. Cape Girardeau is a good place to shop, work, and play. Cape Girardeau does not need gambling!

We're glad that the Yes Group is not in charge of promoting Cape Girardeau to the rest of the world. They paint a very bleak picture of Cape. As they continue to try to make you think about how "bad" things are in Cape over the next few weeks, remember what we have and vote "no" on riverboat gambling.

David and Rita Kuntz

Cape Girardeau