Suggestions for Cairo's situation

To the editor:

In 1967, several large buildings in Cairo, Ill., burned, and the publicity was devastating. The town's population plummeted to about 3,500 from 14,400. Some left Cairo to open stores in other localities. People with money went elsewhere to retire. Many former movers and shakers died. Most of those remaining are fine people. It is a pleasure to visit with them.

Cairo still has almost all of the obligations it had when it was prosperous. It is a town of 3,500 and should act like it. If the mayor and council were working together, they might be worth their inflated salaries, but the town can't afford them.

Since these officials ran for office with the expectation of generous salaries, they should, in all fairness, receive them until the end of their terms, with the understanding that much smaller salaries should suffice during the next term.

Bear in mind that the next city officials might be the type who would work for nothing to get Cairo back on its feet. They could start by refusing to spend money they don't have.

This crisis should have been faced many years ago while it was more manageable. This mayor and council inherited this financial mess. They should be admired for trying to overcome a terrible deficit. The day of reckoning is here.

IRA HUDSON, Mound City, Ill.