Voter support deserved for TTF5

Every five years since 1995, Cape Girardeau's voters have approved the half-cent, pay-as-you-go sales tax called the Transportation Trust Fund.

Its latest iteration, dubbed TTF5, will appear on the ballot in Tuesday's election, and it is something we encourage everyone of voting age to support.

The "why" is simple: TTFs 1 through 4 have enabled the city to make needed roadway improvements without having to issue interest-generating bonds. They also have created a track record of success through projects completed on time and within budget.

Allowing each TTF to sunset after five years also has enabled voters to participate directly in determining and approving specific projects and planning. And so they have.

Because of TTF, city government has been able to expand Broadway to Kingshighway, expand Mount Auburn and Perryville roads, and Independence Street, and improve Bloomfield Road to Kingshighway, just to name a few.

These improvements have led to growth and development in our city that would not have been possible otherwise.

In that same spirit, TTF5, after considerable public deliberation and input, proposes to do the following:

• Construct a through-street connecting Fountain to William to Independence streets;
• Shore up a deteriorating and often troublesome patch of Lexington Avenue;
• Installs curbs, gutters, sidewalks and streetlights along Main Street from Roberts Street to East Cape Rock Drive;
• Replace Sloan Creek Bridge;
• Improve West End Boulevard from New Madrid to Bertling streets;
• And fix Sprigg Street from William to Broadway.
• Importantly, TTF5 would also dedicate a higher percentage of funds than in the past to repairing the condition of existing neighborhood roads throughout the city.

These, too, are positive moves that will help keep our fair city fair and be appealing to potential businesses and residents. TTF5 is a responsible, transparent, results-driven method of converting taxpayer money to something infinitely beneficial to everyone.

We support it and encourage you to do so, too.