SPEAKOUT

Governor's column?

I'VE GOT a question for the Southeast Missourian staff, or maybe directly to Peter Kinder: If Mr. Kinder chooses to run for governor against Mel Carnahan and wins, which I'm sure he could, would he continue his columns in the paper? I hope, so because I would miss them if he didn't.

REPLY: First things first. When Peter Kinder moves into the Governor's Mansion will be the time to consider this caller's comment. In the meantime, the support is appreciated.

School bus seatbelts

I THINK all school buses in Illinois and Missouri should have seat belts on them for the safety of the children.

Stroup's vision

IT'S NICE to see that Dr. Stroup's vision and plan for the university is finally paying off with a large increase in enrollment. It's just too bad that now she has to leave us when things are beginning to pay off. I hope that those people up at SEMO can look to find new president with the vision and push for excellence that Dr. Stroup had.

Matter of courtesy

THIS IS in reference to combining the Regional and Jackson libraries. I would say, being a county resident, that I would be against it because I have been doing my library shopping at Regional for approximately 24 years, having used the public library while I lived in Jackson. I haven't found courteous or helpful attitudes for me or my children at the Jackson Public Library, and I would hope that we not have the same sort of atmosphere if they combine the two libraries. Regional on the other side has always been very courteous and very helpful in very way possible. If county residents are allowed to vote on that, you will definitely get a no vote from this resident.