TALKS BRING TOGETHER THOSE WHO WANT CHANGE

No one wants a repeat of the near-riot that occurred last year on Good Hope Street. That's why it is important that a group of community residents continue to meeting informally with police and others to improve communications.

The Community Leadership Group offers an opportunity to talk about concerns. It is heartening to see the chief of police, superintendent of schools and others take the time to join the group.

Last week, the group came to an insightful realization: The best source for solving problems on the city's south side aren't city leaders, school officials or business owners. It's the people who live in the area. They must be the ones to take charge, identify the problems and help to bring resolution.

Not only is it important that a group representing the neighborhood come together to form a consensus, but it's imperative this group develop its own leadership. That way the group can speak as a unit. Unity remains a key to pushing through needed changes. An organized effort will go a lot further to facilitating real change.

The group has been meeting monthly for some time. These meetings are open to all residents of the city's south side, but some might still see the gatherings as private. Not so. The group needs to become more visible and let all interested people voice their concerns and suggestions. The next scheduled meeting is 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Salvation Army.

It was suggested that fliers with meeting agendas and space for suggestions could be passed out in neighborhoods. This could go a far way to involving more people, even if they cannot attend the gatherings.

It's not enough to complain. Complainers are easy to come by. Those who want to change things for the better must help come up with workable solutions. These are the individuals who hold the key to community betterment in Cape Girardeau's south side and beyond.