Mayor Jay Knudtson of Cape Girardeau deserves a good deal of credit for tackling an issue that has plagued city hall for years.

The city has developed a bad reputation with contractors, who say they have a terrible time getting plans approved for even the most simple projects. They've told Knudtson they prefer to work outside the city limits rather than deal with an ineffective, disorganized inspection department.

Knudtson, elected in April, opted to do something about it. He said he was tired of the irate phone calls, including one from a woman who had waited three weeks for approval on a set of plans for a middle-class home of simple design and still had no idea when builders would be able to start.

The top official in the inspection department resigned soon after Knudtson took over. A new man, Robb McClary, is in the position. In a matter of weeks, he has been able to bring the department up to date on plan approvals.

Whether Cape Girardeau's reputation in this area is deserved or not, it is high time to change it, and there are indications this is happening.