No public input provided at House hearing on peripheral zoning repeal

Rep. Wayne Wallingford of Cape Girardeau said that despite representing a city that requested peripheral zoning late last year, he thinks the state statute allowing the measure needs to be repealed. Wallingford's HB 498 moved one step closer to that end Wednesday with a public hearing, although no one spoke in support of or opposition to the legislation.

Wallingford said he understands as the representative of Cape Girardeau, he may not have been the logical sponsor of the bill, but after receiving a resolution from the Cape Girardeau County Commission earlier this year, he felt compelled to do so.

"I know I am in a very unusual position," he said.

Wallingford said he has spoken with city officials, including city manager Scott Meyer, about the legislation.

"I think he and the city council are a little disappointed," he said.

The bill is co-sponsored by Donna Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie, Billy Pat Wright, R-Dexter, and Ellen Brandom, R-Sikeston.

Wallingford said he is in favor of local control, and for the county residents affected by peripheral zoning, that should be the county commission where they have representation. With peripheral zoning, he said, residents wouldn't have a voice in the Cape Girardeau City Council or the city's planning and zoning board, but would be affected by their decisions.

Wallingford said it's also a matter of looking at the big picture.

"Every vote I cast affects the state of Missouri," he said, particularly Cape Girardeau County.

One of last year's strongest supporters of peripheral zoning, councilman Mark Lanzotti, said he did not know there was a hearing Wednesday and would have liked the opportunity to express his opinion of the legislation.

"Public input is the bedrock of our system," he said.

He also believes if Wallingford favors local control, then he should support peripheral zoning.

"As it is written, peripheral zoning embodies local control. It must be approved and must be conditioned by the county commission," he said.

Attempts to reach Meyer and other Cape Girardeau city officials were unsuccessful.

If HB 498 becomes law, it would become go into effect in August. No dates for further action have been set at this time.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600