Put annexation issue on the ballot

An open letter to the residents of the city of Jackson and the board of aldermen members:

We have recently become involved in the controversial issue involving the quarries in Fruitland. Here is what we have learned. As little as two months ago or less, the Heartland Quarry asked to be annexed to the city of Jackson. The city is ready to vote on it Nov. 21. In fact, they are already wanting to rezone the area "heavy industrial" before they have even voted to annex the quarry. Should we, the voters, let the eight board members make this very important decision? Why not put it on a ballot so all of the residents of Jackson can vote on this issue?

The people in the Fruitland area have always wanted to create their own village that would include the quarries. However, before they could proceed, the law states they must first ask to be annexed to Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Cape Girardeau, knowing they really did not want to be annexed, said no right away. However, it will be a year in December and these folks still have not received a yes or no answer from Jackson, thus delaying their plans to form their own village.

Something to think about, why has it taken almost a year to give Fruitland an answer -- yes or no -- on annexation, but within two months they are ready to vote on the annexation of a quarry? Could it be the city already knew the quarries were coming in and they wanted them to be well established before they gave a yes or no to Fruitland?

How would you like to live in a residential area for years and then a quarry is opened in the middle of everything. What will these quarries do to property values? What about all the dust, dirt, noise and traffic. We understand that a city needs revenue, but at what cost to their fellow man and neighbors? We are Lutheran and support Saxony Lutheran High School. Many of our churches and members have invested thousands of dollars to help build Saxony Lutheran High School. Never did we envision our school to be surrounded by quarries.

We feel the city should not annex the Heartland Quarry or Fruitland. As stated above, it has always been the intent of the folks in the Fruitland area to form their own village, which would include the quarries. If this were done, the people who live in the area would have some say on what goes on in and around the quarries. Granted, if our city does not annex the quarry they will lose revenue, but remember what the Bible says: "Let each of you look not only to his own interest but also to the interests of others"(Philippians 2: 4).

If you would like to see this issue put on a ballot please let your aldermen know. Just call city hall and they can give you the name of the alderman for your ward. It is time to stand up and be counted and show compassion for our neighbors. Please plan to attend the city council meeting on Nov. 21 when the council members plan to vote on the Heartland Quarry annexation petition. There is also a public meeting Dec. 5. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at city hall.

Ken and Ginny Leimbach are residents of Jackson.