POLICE SHOULD FOCUS ON POLICE ADVISORY BOARD

Real problems need meaningful action by city government, not sugar-coated solutions. That's why a proposed Human Relations Commission may take Cape Girardeau down the wrong path.

The concept grew out of a melee in the city's south side in June where six police officers and two suspects were injured. Residents called for better relations with the police, and city officials seriously considered a police advisory board. It would have been much like citizen boards that advise such city services as the airport, tourism and planning and zoning.

But in the weeks since the incident, the concept of the board has become unfocused. The City Council has embraced a Human Relations Commission that would address a range of issues from race to socio-economic concerns in the city.

By making this board more politically correct, the council has potentially guaranteed its ineffectiveness. It moves the focus away from the police department to more philosophical plateaus, and that's not what citizens need. What's needed are practical solutions.

It has been said a police advisory board would be too narrowly focused. Why? How does that differ from an advisory board for tourism, the airport or parks and recreation? These are all departments within the city.

The fact of the matter is that police department relations are critical in the city for both blacks and white. A Human Relations Commission may be seen as a way to address racial issues alone. Instead of broadening the work of the board, this direction could actually limit the work to racial complaints. And that could be even more divisive for the city.

Go ask 10 people on the street. What would a Human Relations Commission do? Answers would be as varied as the people themselves, and few would actually hit the mark.

What would a police advisory board do? The answer is obvious. The board would help advise the police department.

Establishment of such a board is not a criticism of the police or what happened on Good Hope in June. It is a practical way to open the lines of communications between the police and residents.

If there is a need for a police advisory board, then the city should form one. It shouldn't dance about the issue with feel-good notions that government can help build civility and peace among residents. This is simply not a role for city government.

Jake Wells: He spoke with a paint brush

The region and the art world lost a wonderful man last week. Jacob "Jake" Wells died at age 81. He will be remembered as a talented artist, gifted teacher and kindhearted friend to so many.

Wells' work will continue to provide inspiration to artists and art-lovers alike. He is perhaps most well-know for the gigantic mural that graces the entrance of Kent Library on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. It took three years to complete and is a tribute to the strength and determination of the people who live and work in Southeast Missouri. At 800 square feet, it remains one of the largest indoor murals of its kind in the state.

Wells' genius can also been seen on an outdoor mural at 405 Broadway that commemorates the Cape Girardeau Bicentennial. It was completed in July 1992.

Wells was a prolific painter, and his distinct watercolors can be found in area homes, businesses and museums. His works were also featured in a book called "Water Mills of Missouri," a collaboration with George Suggs.

There is little doubt that Wells' artwork will remain a lasting inspiration for aspiring artists. But his influence as a teacher, friend and mentor will long remain an inspiration as well. Those memories will be cherished by all who knew and respected this quiet man who could speak volumes with a paint brush.