LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: REMEMBERING A CIVIC LEADER

To the Editor:

On Saturday, December 11, Cape Girardeau lost a grassroots champion of democracy: Kathryn Braasch. She knew that individuals can make a difference. She was fascinated by how our government works and accepted responsibility for informing herself on issues before making her voice heard.

Kay followed the development of our City Charter, and for a number of years, attended City Council meetings as an observer. She took her responsibilities as a citizen seriously.

Earlier in December the Southeast Missourian noted that it was just 75 years ago that a group of women met in Cape Girardeau at Mrs. Houck's home to work for the right for women to vote. At the convention of the American Women's Suffrage Association in St. Louis in March 1919, having gained the right to vote, they recognized their responsibility to be informed voters. Toward that end, they organized the League of Women Voters of Missouri in October 1919. The following March, the national League was officially organized in Chicago. Kay was a spiritual descendant of those women. Twenty-five years ago, she was instrumental in organizing the League of Women Voters of Cape Girardeau County, an organization she steered faithfully until her death.

Let us remember Kay and her contribution to this community with renewed dedication to our responsibilities as citizens.

Sincerely,

Frances S. Harris

President

League of Women Voters