Speak Out A 05/29/02

I CERTAINLY agree with the editorial that raised questions regarding the TIF status for the development of Prestwick Plantation. The developers should secure private financing for their private project and not seek taxpayer amenities. Of what benefit would this development be to the vast majority of Cape Girardeau residents? I am definitely opposed to the city approving their first TIF for such a lucrative project for private purposes when we have so many areas of our city in dire need of projects that would improve our city to the benefit of its residents. This is certainly not the best example of what a TIF project should be. The citizens of Cape seem to have to accept much they are not in agreement with.

List the cuts

EVERY PERSON I have ever asked is in favor of having their taxes reduced. Likewise, all of these people are opposed to giving up any of the government services that affect them directly. Herein lies the rub when it comes to cutting taxes. Republicans claim cutting taxes pays for itself through increased productivity. President Bush is following the same plan. In reality, all we are doing is shifting the burden to future generations. If you tell me you're for cutting taxes, please justify what you are willing to give up.

Medical reasons

AIDS IS contagious. It is always fatal. It's decimating Africa. It needs to be a top priority in medical research spending. It is not a politically correct disease on which we waste a lot of money.

But we have to pay

AMATEUR coffee-shop sociologists say the troublesome conflict over a local TIF proposal is largely an internal dispute between rival members of the golf-playing wealthy. Apparently, prestigious members of Cape's old monied class and the nouveau riche are represented on both factions. That's all well and good, but I sure wish they'd quit trying to fight this battle with tax money paid by us ordinary working folks whose golfing outings include little more than a trip to the mini-golf course.

Staffing is dismissed

SCHOOL IS out in Perryville, and there is no longer an alternative school. I find it funny that the school district keeps saying it wants to keep the alternative school when it has already dismissed the staff. If the district was really planning on keeping the alternative school, would the district have dismissed all the teachers who have worked there and have experience?

Solve these thefts

I HAVE noticed an increasing trend of car-audio thefts and other small thefts around town. I know quite a few friends and myself who have now been victims of these crimes. I don't feel the Cape police are putting much effort into investigating these crimes. I have heard of people losing up to $1,300 in goods from their cars. If I know this many people who are having this happen to them, then the problem must be pretty bad. I feel the police could put a little more effort in trying to prevent this or help break some of these cases. I know it is hard to bust these people, but I also know it is very hard if you don't put any effort forth. It isn't like Cape is a big city with a ton of other major crimes to solve.

Works both ways

I FAVOR the Speak Out suggestion that parents formally evaluate teachers. And vice versa.