RETAIN THE FEE AGENT OFFICE IN JACKSON

The loss of the fee agent office was financially detrimental to both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Chambers of Commerce. But the financial damage cut deeper in Jackson, where the revenues represented a bigger portion of the chamber's budget.

The status of the fee office agent is determined. The governor has awarded; the Southeast Missouri University Foundation has accepted. The offices will be run by Norma Wildman of Cape Girardeau. But the Foundation and Mrs. Wildman could and should decide to retain the fee office in Jackson, and lease the space from the Jackson chamber. That income will help, in some small way, offset some of the lost revenues.

First, we feel it's important a fee office be retained in Jackson. It is well utilized. The Jackson office alone generated more than $15,000 in revenues to the Jackson chamber last year. It doesn't make sense to move the office; people are used to going there, and the chamber location works well.

This whole issue -- and the secretive way in which it was done -- has generated considerable hard feelings in both Cape Girardeau and Jackson. This is one small way the foundation can move toward healing some wounds.

Under current arrangements, the Jackson chamber will continue to operate the office through Oct. 1; it will reopen four days later under new management.

Jackson chamber officials have worried that the loss of between $15,000 and $20,000 could force it to close its office and eliminate a fulltime staff position funded by the revenue office. Jim Maevers, president of the Jackson chamber board, has been authorized to try and negotiate a lease with the foundation.

We are hopeful his efforts prove successful. Relocating the license fee office in Jackson is unnecessary and could simply brew more bad feelings. That's something a group whose livelihood depends on community good will can ill afford.