LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: WILL WE VOTE FOR PROGRESS?

To The Editor:

We have a rare chance to do something positive for Cape Girardeau on Tuesday, Nov. 2. A chance to do more than just create 800 jobs, generate $1.9 million per year in revenue for our city's budget, and provide money for schools. We have a chance to send a positive signal to the towns around us -- in fact, the entire state -- that we deserve to be called the economic and educational center of Southeast Missouri.

To do that, we need to display our commitment to leadership. We need to look beyond campaign differences of opinion and focus on the facts. These facts are a matter of law -- Missouri law -- a law that was created by Missourians for Missouri.

This law was passed to do the following:

-- Create jobs;

-- Provide desperately needed funds for schools;

-- Give cities new revenue for public safety and services;

-- Enable us to compete with neighboring states for tourist.

We believe that this law is important to Cape Girardeau. It is important because it answers many of the questions about the proposed riverboat development.

-- Higher wage rates.

-- Money for schools.

-- Money for cities.

-- Money for public safety and services.

-- Economic improvement.

-- Promoting Missouri resources (including people).

-- Promoting recreation and tourism.

Throughout our campaign we have tried to present these facts, because facts don't always speak for themselves, they must have a voice to be heard in a busy world. There is a lot of information to digest. Unfortunately, sometimes it's easier to say "no" than take the time it takes to understand.

We have tried our best to present these facts to you, the voters of Cape Girardeau, in the best way we know how so you can make an informed decision Nov. 2.

Since it is now apparent that there will be a riverboat somewhere in our area, the question is simple: Will it be here or somewhere else?

Do we want the boat in Cape Girardeau, or would we rather make a very large charitable contribution to Scott City? The choice is yours. We hope you'll vote "yes."

David B. Knight

Chuck McGinty

Tom Mogelnicki

Evelyn Boardman

Kent Zickfield

The Yes Group Directors