THE PUBLIC MIND: READER: WATER SYSTEM BUY MAKES SENSE

To the Editor:

I understand that Union Electric has decided to sell the water system on the open market if the citizens of Cape Girardeau fail to take ownership themselves. If this occurs, decisions concerning the proper maintenance and improvement of our water system will be made by people from a distant location who may have no knowledge of Cape Girardeau and no personal stake in what happens here.

The provision of safe drinking water with adequate fire flows and pressure for fire fighting has always been a basic function of city government. There is no more essential public service than the provision of water, which is so very basic to life itself. We require safe water for drinking, for cooking, for cleansing and bathing, for recreation, for gardening and lawn care, for industry, and for fire protection. Why would we not want to have control locally over this most basic need?

Some are skeptical as to why Union Electric wants to sell the water system at all, and particularly to the City at such a low price. Union Electric motivation is really very simple and logical. It is a large corporation with operations covering a large part of eastern Missouri, a part of Iowa, and a part of Illinois. The Cape Girardeau water system is the only water operation that Union Electric owns.

Using common sense one can see why a company like Union Electric would want to stay with their traditional line of business (energy), which has been very profitable for them. Prior to getting the water utility with the Missouri Utilities merger, Union Electric had never operated a water system before.

As to the low price, Union Electric had to negotiate to obtain new franchise agreements. The lower price is simply the result of "old fashioned horse-trading." In addition, Union Electric wants to continue to be a part of Cape Girardeau and a welcome partner with the community. Therefore, they were more willing to sell at an affordable price to the citizens of Cape Girardeau than to an outside company.

For nearly 100 years the water system was essentially locally controlled through Missouri Utilities. However, since 1983, key decision-making control has shifted to St. Louis at Union Electric's corporate headquarters. If we don't purchase the system now, that decision-making control will shift to Kansas City or another location out-of-state.

I think we, the citizens of Cape Girardeau, should own it. Union Electric is going to sell the system to someone.

Burl Medlock

Cape Girardeau