To the editor:

On the Nov. 5 ballot there will be an amendment to the Missouri Constitution, Amendment 1, which would have a tremendous impact on the city of St. Louis and on every citizen of the state.

Amendment 1 would give voters in the city the opportunity to reform the structure of their city government. This is long overdue, because the city has a very bureaucratic structure. In part because of this structure, the population of the city has declined dramatically in the last 50 years, and the financial health of the city has declined as well. Passage of this amendment would open the doors to the city voters for reforming this archaic structure, making the city more efficient and more productive and opening the doors to growth.

Some say this is strictly a St. Louis issue. However, a revitalized city that is growing again would be able to contribute more to the financial resources of the state and become, once again, a place which would be more exciting for Missourians to visit. St. Louis is the only large city in the state which does not have the power to change the structure of its government. The amendment is a matter of fairness and a step toward good government, which is favored by all responsible citizens.

Amendment 1 enjoys an incredible base of support from leading Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, newspapers and good-government groups across the state. Most important, there would be no cost to Missouri taxpayers. Please vote yes on Amendment 1.

GEORGE H. WALKER

St. Louis