SEWER BALLOT ISSUES DESERVE CITIZENS' SUPPORT

Sewers don't make for very compelling election issues. They are expensive. Unlike most capital improvements, they are invisible except when being installed. And about the only time they capture the public's imagination is when they don't work right. Cape Girardeau has a sewer problem now that needs the public's attention. On Tuesday, voters will be asked to extend an existing one-fourth-cent sales tax to support revenue bonds that will upgrade the sewer system and eliminate an unsanitary situation. We believe this is a sensible long-range investment for the city and endorse a "yes" vote on Questions 1 and 2 on Tuesday's ballot.

Like many communities, particularly those with long-established sewer systems, Cape Girardeau faces an ample task in trying to counter the effects of years, terrain and hard use on drainage infrastructure. And this assumes the system was complete to begin with. In Cape Girardeau's case, there is a long-standing structural problem: storm and sanitary sewers are combined in some drainage areas around the city. Among other things, this means raw sewage can be found at times flowing down Cape LaCroix Creek, past one of the most heavily used recreation areas in the city, Shawnee Park. Needless to say, public health is not served by this condition.

While perhaps not appropriate to talk of waterfowl and foul water in this way, we are confident the city has set its ducks in a row where this issue is concerned.

-- First, it defined the problem. In 1991, the city commissioned a master sewer plan that spelled out the need to separate combined sewer lines, construct sewer relief and trunk lines, and improve the operations of the wastewater plant. In other words, there is a carefully crafted plan in place.

-- Second, the city hit upon a logical method of paying for the improvements; that is, through the sale of $25 million in revenue bonds that would be subsidized in large part by a state revolving loan fund program.

-- Third, the timing seems right. Interest rates for the projects may go lower than 3 percent, and there is every likelihood that the rates will be higher at some later time when a breakdown of the system (or a state environmental mandate) forces emergency repairs.

-- Lastly, in choosing to extend the quarter-cent sales tax, in place currently to fund the local match of the Corps of Engineers flood-control project, the city provides voters an option that won't really create an additional tax burden. Instead, it lengthens an existing requirement. It bears noting, too, that visiting shoppers will help pay the tab for these improvements.

Both mayoral candidates, who serve on the city council currently, support these ballot issues. Both recognize the opportunity exists now (but not forever) to get this work done with reasonable state assistance and at an impermanently low interest rate. This is a prudent approach, one that says you (as taxpayers) can pay relatively little now as opposed to paying a lot later.

Where sewers are concerned, taxpayers bury their money. Still, this is a necessary function of municipal government, one that speaks directly to health, quality of life and potential for growth. It may not be glamorous, but it represents the city taking care of necessary business. This sewer plan is the best, most cost-effective way for Cape Girardeau to deal with this problem, which will have to be solved one day and probably at a higher price. We support the passage of Questions 1 and 2 in Tuesday's voting.