TOOKE FITTING RECIPIENT OF THE LIMBAUGH AWARD

Former Cape Girardeau mayor Howard C. Tooke was deservedly honored as recipient of the Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. Award last Friday by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

The three-year-old award recognizes area business people who have gone the extra mile on behalf of the community for an extended period of time.

In this hurry-up world, it's all too easy to forget past contributions from people. The Limbaugh Award should give us all pause to reflect on past accomplishments.

But it also allows us to express appreciation for Tooke's tireless efforts on behalf of Cape Girardeau.

For nearly two decades, Tooke's name was synonymous with Cape Girardeau city government.

A local sawmill operator, Tooke served on the City Council for 17 years and held the post of mayor for most of those years. He retired as mayor in April 1986.

Tooke has played an integral part in laying many of the stepping stones of progress in Cape Girardeau.

It was during his tenure in city government that voters approved a city sales tax to provide city government with a valuable source of revenue. Until then, the city depended largely on property taxes for funding.

A new library, two fire stations, a new police station, two new parks, the Central Municipal pool, and relocation of city hall were all undertaken during Tooke's administration.

The Show Me Center is indirectly a monument of sorts to Tooke's political leadership.

He and other civic leaders fought to secure the funding needed to build the civic arena.

The project provoked controversy, with some citizens objecting to the joint city/university partnership. But throughout the ordeal, Tooke was steadfast in his support for the project.

Today, the Show Me Center is a community landmark that provides the region with everything from first-class concerts to sporting events.

Tooke has a statewide stature among governmental leaders in Missouri, which is a tribute to his immense knowledge of government and his accomplishments in that area.

He has been active in the Missouri Municipal League and has been a strong advocate of local government.

With Tooke, city business always took precedent over his private business, operating the M.E. Leming Lumber Co.

Most of all, Tooke has enriched our community with his leadership and his genuine caring for his fellow citizens.

The Limbaugh Award fittingly recognizes one of Cape Girardeau's best.