Oppose new city regulation

Cape Girardeau is a wonderful place to live and work. However, a troubling shift is taking place in our city, which makes it more difficult to start and operate a small business. The nuisance ordinance overhaul is a perfect example of the growing municipal regulation of local business.

Local businesses have enough on their plate. Complying with federal and state regulations is difficult enough. Why should regulation increase at the local level?

Apparently, the city government thinks that it is not enough that a property owner has to pay to remove the results of vandalism from their own building. Now, the city government wants to impose time limits on business owners, requiring them to remove graffiti within 15 days, or face new minimum fines.

Currently, rental property owners can be fined and required to appear in municipal court if the tenant fails to maintain a yard after contracting to do so. Is it really a good use of city resources to require court appearances rather than allowing these businesspeople to simply pay their tickets? It seems the existing ordinance is tough enough on certain small businesses, without adding the proposed "teeth."

Nobody wants eyesores, but continuing the trend to have businesses foot the bill for the actions of others is a step in the wrong direction. Call your council member and ask them to oppose new regulation of Cape Girardeau business. Ask them to make it easier for local businesses to stay in compliance, and promote efficient disposition of ordinance violations.

ADAM GOHN, attorney, Cape Girardeau