Serving the city

Much is going on at Cape Girardeau City Hall these days.

The city's appointed park board members and the city's elected city council members are trying to come up with a tax proposal that will address concerns associated with Cape Girardeau's park system and its storm-water problems.

Additionally, the planning and zoning board and the council are reading over a huge binder of information, trying to decide on a big-picture plan that, if implemented and followed, could affect all aspects of the city from transportation to recreation.

If you're interested in how the city is run, and what the city asks of its taxpayers, now is a good time to get involved.

Three city council terms will end next year. Wards 3, 4 and 5 -- representing the central and north sections of the city -- will be open this year. Petitions for candidates are available at the city clerk's office at city hall and can be filed between Oct. 23 and Nov. 20.

There are many ways to participate in city government, and seeking one of the council seats requires a major commitment. The satisfaction of making a positive contribution to your community is the biggest reward.