JOB OFFICE FINDS WAYS TO STREAMLINE

The Cape Girardeau Job Service Office could become a satellite office of the one in Sikeston and have fewer employees under a plan being considered by the Missouri Division of Employment Security.

The downsizing shouldn't affect the services offered the public by the office since most of its work is done by telephone and computer anyway. And the Southeast Missouri Private Industry Council has opened a computerized Work Connections Center that gives people access to the Internet, fax machines and other tools in their job searches.

Government employment services have been downsizing nationwide largely because computerization has simplified its functions and its services can be provided with fewer employees. That trend has held true for Missouri employment offices as well.

The proposal to make the Cape Girardeau office a satellite office came about after its longtime manager retired. The Job Service Office cutback and the cost savings that come with it are refreshing, considering most government agencies continue to grow at every opportunity.