LOOKING AT 1995

The year promises remarkable developments for Cape Girardeau, region and the nation. The construction boom made a smooth transition to 1995. And plans for two riverboat casinos -- one in Cape Girardeau and one in Scott City -- could pump millions of dollars into the local economy. But prosperity can soon wither without orderly planning and preparation. Here are some of the key issues that deserve particular attention in 1995:

Transportation sales tax: The idea proposed by Cape Girardeau's mayor deserves merit, but specifics -- or lack thereof -- will seal its fate. If the city wants to raise $35.8 million a year, officials should provide $35.8 million in planned improvements and the order in which they would be completed. If there aren't enough specific projects, the tax should be less. Maybe the city's transportation needs only warrant a quarter-cent sales tax. And if the tax will run 10 years, announce a planned spending schedule for each year. Taxpayers are no longer buying the "trust me" blank-check mentality still prevalent in government.

Mississippi River Bridge: Cape Girardeau must continue its efforts to secure funding for the new Mississippi River Bridge. Work on the bridge acces route is continuing. The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission awarded a $9.1 million contract in December for construction of the relocated Highway 74. Highway officials predict the approach to the bridge, from Interstate 55 to Sprigg, will be finished by 1997. Noticeably lacking, however, is funding for the actual bridge. A federal highway bill that passed the House in 1994 included $11.5 million for the bridge, but it failed to win Senate approval before adjournment. Unless approved early this year, work on the first phase of the bridge could stall. The city, region and state should speak with one voice as to the vital importance of this project.

Casino gambling: Boyd Gaming officials will be meeting with city leaders next week to hammer out details for a riverboat casino contract. Cape Girardeau's decision to bring gambling to town was made more than a year ago. It is time to proceed. But haste shouldn't encourage concession. Big promises were made about the scope of this operation. Boyd pledged a $52.1 million project including a 1,350-passenger boat and $26.4 million in land development. Remodeling the old Buckner-Ragsdale building, two restaurants and gift shops were part of the proposal. The company pledged 1,300 new jobs and projected $3 million in new revenues to the city. They also promised to work with the city in terms of traffic problems. Signing the contract should also spur the city into deciding what will become of these additional gambling revenues. Without specific plans, the aforementioned transportation sales tax may find a tough road ahead.

Southeast Missouri State University: The university held a series of hearings throughout the region last fall to solicit comment about strategic planning. One message repeated was a call for greater access to university programs. People want more community colleges or greater access to earn college credit closer to home. The pool of high school graduates is again increasing, but the growth is slow and isn't expected to achieve the boom of the 1980s. Reaching out to area communities seems a natural way to boost enrollment. With tightening admission standards, the university should also consider offering community college courses on campus or at satellite centers. The university's strategic plan needs to address the issue of access.

Cape Girardeau's public schools: The public schools are embarking on an emotionally charged issue: redistricting. A committee has just begun studying the matter and will make its initial report to the board next week. The concept of neighborhood schools works well -- so well that parents will probably resist change. But the district has little choice but to study the matter. Taxpayers have twice defeated measures for a new elementary school, and growth in the district has been uneven. Some schools are filled to the brim, while others have empty classrooms. As Cape Girardeau studies redistricting, the district should also consider the issue of school choice. There is no better way than allowing parents which school is best for their children to ensure all elementary schools are the best they can be.

City charter review: A council-appointed charter review commission completed its work in the fall of 1994. They found a basically sound document with some room for improvement. Eleven amendments were proposed, including requiring a vote for any city fee or tax increase greater than 5 percent in a year, establishing a reserve fund for budget emergencies, requiring the city manager to provide a debt statement with the annual budget and establishing an ethics commission to review complaints and investigate possible conflict of interests. The changes require both council and voter approval. The council should let voters consider each amendment separately instead of lumping them together. The changes will make a good charter even better in 1995.

Annexation: The city should renew focus on annexation efforts, especially in growing areas surrounding Cape Girardeau. It may be the city's best hope at boosting population. Cape Girardeau has added some new residents in recent years through friendly annexation -- about 200 from Lamplighter Mobile Home Park in September 1992 and another 200 from Twin Lakes in August 1993. Two others annexations in 1994 -- along the northern city limits between Cape Rock Drive and Old Sprigg St. and then west of I-55 along Bloomfield -- added a handful. There are perhaps 1,000 or more other potential residents in close proximity. A concern has been the guarantee of city services in three years to newly annexed areas. This can be a costly matter. But these one-time capital improvement costs could be a productive way to spend gambling revenue.

Missouri tax limitation: In the wake of the failed Hancock II measure, a new tax-limitation plan has surfaced. The concept of Hancock II was good, but the execution was complicated and flawed. Politicians should remember to keep the new proposal simple: Any increase in taxes should require a vote of the people. Period. But why not take the matter a step further? Why stop at tax limitation when tax cuts may be in order? More than 30 states will jump on the tax-cut bandwagon this year, and Missouri should be among them.

Contract With America: Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives made the contract, and taxpayers embraced the notion. It is imperative the GOP follow through on this effort. Their success or failure could well determine the presidency in 1996. The opening days of Congress provided real promise that House GOP leaders will push contract promises. But it will take legislators of both parties and both chambers to bring about real change. And if the GOP achieves all 10 promises of the contract, they should keep going. That's only the tip of the iceberg.