SALES TAX OFFERS FUNDS FOR FUTURE OF GOOD STREETS

The campaign to promote a half-cent transportation sales tax for the city of Cape Girardeau is officially under way. With only 21 days remaining until the Aug. 8 election, members of a new campaign committee have their work cut out for them.

It is sometimes easy for voters to become immune to what seems continuous election hype, especially on the national level. But this campaign deserves and requires the public's attention. The outcome is critical to the future development of this city.

The foundation of this election is simple. Most people travel on the city's roads and bridges each and every day. You know what roads are too narrow. You know what streets need resurfacing. You know where traffic backs up. The quality of city streets is a major concern for many people because street problems eat up valuable time.

Inadequate streets and bridges go beyond personal frustrations. Without first-rate infrastructure, Cape Girardeau's growth will stifle. And quality streets are also safe streets.

It is no coincidence that the campaign committee has been named the Transportation Trust Committee. Trust is imperative in winning voter confidence. These business leaders can point to several factors in this election that should build trust.

First off, the sales tax has a sunset provision. That means it would only last five years. Period.

Secondly, the more than $16 million to be raised in that period would go toward 20 specific projects developed by the city, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and Vision 2000. And projects are listed by priority. Included on the list of projects are sidewalk repairs, paving of the city's two miles of unpaved streets and curb-and-gutter repair. The proposal prevents any confusion on how the money would be spent or in what order.

To cinch the issue of trust, the Cape Girardeau City Council has voted to funnel the sales tax proceeds into a trust fund. By law, this money couldn't be spent for any other projects. This provides a guarantee that future city councils would stick by this proposal.

Unlike a property-tax increase, a sales tax would be paid by all shoppers in Cape Girardeau, whether or not they live in the city. That means the burden wouldn't fall on any one group. And a half-cent sales tax probably wouldn't even be noticed on small purchases. For every $10 dollars, it would add just five cents. For every $100, it would add just 50 cents. It seems a small price to pay for quality roads and bridges.

Campaign committee members will be speaking to civic organizations and various groups, taking their message to the streets. But for the campaign to be successful, people must be willing to listen.