LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: YES GROUP THANKS, LOOKS FORWARD

To the Editor:

We would like to thank everyone who participated in last Tuesday's election, regardless of which way they cast their ballot. The high voter turnout indicates we are fortunate to live in a community that cares, a community that takes itself seriously. The result is the product of deliberate action by a concerned community. We are all fortunate to live in a country, state and city that provides for such free debate and orderly methods for reaching decisions.

Special thanks to the 65-member Yes Group steering committee and the students and faculty of Southeast Missouri State University and particularly the 15-member Students for Progress Steering committee for the energy they brought to the campaign. We would like to express our gratitude to the 2,000 members and guests that attended our rally at the Show Me Center. Also thanks to the 60 businesses that contributed to that event making it the starting point for a successful campaign. Thank you to the other 74 businesses and individuals who, through their financial help, enabled us to share our vision of the riverboat development with our friends and neighbors in Cape Girardeau.

Thank you to the 3,754 people who signed the petition to place this issue on the Nov. 2 ballot. Thanks you to the 125 dedicated individuals that braved ice and snow the Saturday before the election to go door to door to spread the world It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm. Thank you to Bill Boyd and members of the Boyd Group for responding to our request to return to Cape Girardeau and for the confidence he placed in our commitment to win.

Thanks you to the Citizens Against Riverboat Gambling for intensifying the level of debate. We have the utmost respect for you as dedicated members of this community. We are proud to live together with such determined individuals. In a community where no one cares, everyone loses. In a community filled with people willing to get involved, everyone ultimately wins. Thank you for being a part of making Cape Girardeau a place we can all feel proud to call home.

Our work is not finished. In order to fully achieve the common goals of economic growth and prosperity while maintaining our high quality of life, we must devote ourselves to follow through with this most important endeavor. We are proud of Cape Girardeau and can assure our fellow citizens we will work diligently to maximize this opportunity to insure a positive impact on our city's future.

David B. Knight

Chuck McGinty

Tom Mogelnicki

Evelyn Boardman

Kent Zickfield

The Yes Group directors

Cape Girardeau