Pitch in instead of criticizing

By Steve Gerard

As a member of several -- and ardent supporter of all -- of the downtown Cape Girardeau organizations mentioned by name in a recent editorial, I feel I must respond to the editorial's purely negative implications.

The downtown organizations mentioned each have their own missions and goals relative to their particular focus. Residents have their neighborhood association. Businesses have their merchants organization. Churches have their council. And others so inclined have their historical, artistic or heritage organizations with which to pursue their interests in enhancing the livability of our downtown district.

To state that these groups are not making a collaborative effort is unfounded. I can list numerous instances in which several of the volunteer groups mentioned coordinated their efforts for the benefit of all Cape Girardeau residents. It is the mission of Old Town Cape to coordinate and collaborate the various organizations' efforts at improving our district and is why Old Town Cape was initially embraced.

Is the editorial suggesting that all our downtown stores be open early on Sunday mornings for riverboat travelers who may or may not arrive as scheduled? May I point out that even the mall doesn't open until noon on Sundays.

The editorial implies that plans for downtown improvement have been developed in the past but were never implemented. Let it be known that grant applications and other fund-raising efforts are under way to bring to fruition the vision of current enhancement plans for the downtown district.

Does the editorial board believe that west side stores never go out of business? I suggest you take a look at the many empty storefronts in the mall and plazas.

Is the editorial board suggesting that the eastern portion of Broadway, where the Southeast Missourian is located, needs weeding? I would implore you to organize neighboring businesses, mix up some week killer in your sprayers and eradicate the unsightly nuisance just as we downtown volunteers do.

Does the editorial board feel we should emulate the gridlock, high-speed and dangerously crowded roadways, inefficient land use, impersonal atmosphere and billboard-strewn ugliness of the city's west side? This is precisely why I and many others have decided to locate our businesses in the vibrant, friendly, quaint atmosphere of the downtown area and volunteer our time for its improvement.

Does the editorial board feel our sidewalks need repairs? They certainly do, but at least we have sidewalks and a coordinated effort being made to improve pedestrian access.

Literally hundreds of volunteers have donated thousands of man-hours to the improvement of our downtown district. We already have an abundance of those who rest on their laurels while espousing negative criticism of our various organizations' efforts.

I invite the editorial board and other concerned citizens to bring their insights and organizational skills to bear in helping us collaborate our efforts in improving our wonderfully unique downtown district instead of offering only negative and unfounded criticism.

Steve Gerard operates Gerard Financial Services in downtown Cape Girardeau.