Letter to the Editor

Many questions about TIF issue need answers

To the editor:

Your editorial, "Thorny TIF issues could be speedily resolved," was interesting. TIF is just another way to use taxpayers' funds to bankroll a developer. Prestwick will not address the letter sent by the school district in writing. A reply not written is worthless. Yes, the taxpayers in the development will pay their share of taxes, but it will be used to pay for the infrastructure of the development. This should be paid by the development.

There are many thorns that need to be addressed before a decision is made: Who will pay for the maintenance of the infrastructure? Who will pay for the street-light energy use? I will tell you: The taxpayers outside the development for 23 years.

It has been noted in past articles that the market is not here for this type of project. Not all people come here to play golf or have the money for such homes. The reason the Jackson, Cape Girardeau County and Sikeston TIF plans passed is apathy. Contractors as well as the taxpayers are against this TIF. This project in the long run will help raise taxes in the future.

JOHN HECKROTTE

Cape Girardeau