PARK PROJECT WILL PROMOTE MORE TOURISM

After reviewing the "Another View" commentary by Loretta Schneider, executive director of the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation, I find it necessary to point out some facts to the citizens of Cape Girardeau as well as Mrs. Schneider. I would first like to say that I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mrs. Schneider and the whole Seminary project. As a matter of fact, I am currently serving as a member of the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation Task Force, which is charged with developing possible funding mechanisms for the project.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Schneider's direct attack on the "approved" sports complex and multipurpose facility disappoints me greatly. These projects were awarded the funding because they epitomize what conventions and tourism stand for. Upon their completion they will fill the hotels and restaurants of Cape Girardeau to capacity, and this will ultimately benefit all the citizens of Cape Girardeau. Mrs. Schneider makes the comment that "These facilities will benefit a limited segment of the population." If she wants to see who will benefit, I would invite her to attend an event such as the Cape Girardeau City of Roses Soccer Tournament. There were hundreds and hundreds of people who came to Cape Girardeau and pumped a tremendous amount of revenue into the community. (Perhaps even in her wildest dreams the revenue that would be generated from a museum would only make up a small percentage of the revenue that will be generated from these two facilities.) These are not issues of whose interests are benefited, but rather issues of generating revenue for the city of Cape Girardeau, via conventions and tourism.

Mrs. Schneider goes on to fault the efforts and progress of the projects. I am here to tell you that I couldn't be prouder of the dedication and cooperative efforts of everyone who has been involved in these projects. There have been countless hours spent on the planning and development of these projects. In addition, the Parks Foundation Board has raised over $300,000 to help fund the projects through public donations. At the present time we are waiting on the bids to come back from various contractors throughout the area. Getting to this point has been an exhaustive exercise, but I feel extremely good about the results. Just because you are awarded a large amount of money to develop a project, you do not summons the bulldozers and dump trucks the next day. These projects will be possessions of the citizens of Cape Girardeau, and it is up to all of us involved to ensure we best utilize the money that is available to construct the finest facilities we can.

It is my personal opinion that the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation is attempting to hold the city hostage to the benefits of a very few. Is the Seminary a magnificent and historical structure? Yes. Should we try to preserve and renovate the structure? Yes. Should we start comparing benefits and potential revenues from both projects? No. There is no comparison. These are two totally separate projects with two totally separate agendas.

As I stated earlier, I am on the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation Task Force, an appointment I graciously accepted because I believe in the preservation and development of this fine Cape Girardeau landmark. Unfortunately, after attending some of the task force meetings I found myself, along with other members, not getting any answers to our questions. Mainly the largest question: Whom do you anticipate the money coming from to purchase the building? Now I would imagine somebody knows, but until you have a better game plan or have educated even your own people better, you have no right to attempt to pressure the city into throwing money into a project that has a lot of doubt, uncertainty and unanswered questions.

Once again, I believe in your project, and I believe there is a way to get it done, but not at the expense of jeopardizing an approved project that has already established itself as having merit and justification.

For the Seminary project to succeed, it will require an effort not dissimilar to the one we have created for the development of the sports complex and multipurpose facility. The key ingredient to the cooperative effort that we have established within our organization is trying our darndest not to have conflict and divisiveness. It appears as though your group could perhaps learn something from the this strategy.

Jay B. Knudtson is chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, president of the Parks Foundation Board and a member of the Colonial Cape Girardeau Task Force.