The 2000 United States Census count will soon be underway. An accurate census count in the city of Jackson is important for many reasons.

Some ways to use census data include: 1.) Attracting business to the area; 2.) Making decisions for future planning and budgets; 3.) Forecasting future housing and transportation needs; 4.) Analyzing local trends; 5.) Designing public safety strategies; 6.) Creating maps for 911 and other emergency response systems; 7.) Drawing school district boundaries; 8.) Making business decisions; 9.) Helps determine distribution of state and federal funds; 10.) Will determine legislative district lines.

As you can see an accurate count will be very important to Jackson and the Cape County area. When the local census folks contact you please take a few minutes to answer their questions. A growing community like Jackson will benefit from your cooperation. If you have questions concerning the upcoming census call the Missouri State Census Center at 1-800-325-0131 Ext. 10.

The City Council has updated our pedestrian crosswalk schedule to include seven new crosswalk designations: 1.) Farmington Rd., On all four sides of the intersection of Oak St. and Farmington; 2.) High St.; On the north side of its intersection with Madison; 3.) Madison St., On the east side of its inter section with High St.; 4.) Madison St., On Madison St. at its intersection with Colorado;. 5.) Oklahoma St., On Oklahoma at its intersection with Jefferson St.; 6. Oklahoma St., On Oklahoma St. at its intersection with Madison; 7.) Washington St., On all four sides of the intersection of Washington and Farmington Rd.

Traffic surveys indicate that these crosswalk markings will improve public safety at these intersections. The marking will be done as soon as the weather allows.

A pedestrian footbridge over Hubble Creek at Jefferson St. near the Primary Annex School will be built this summer. Bids have been received and are under the final re-view of MoDOT. This project is funded by an 80 percent grant from MoDOT and 20 percent local funding. When completed this footbridge will once again provide a safe pedestrian crossing across Hubble Creek.

Upgrades to our West Electric sub-station and the lift station at Old Toll Road will begin soon. These are just two of many infrastructure improvements that will be made in the next few years to insure that our continued growth is orderly and services to the citizens are as up to date as possible.

The Jackson Jaycees recently held its annual banquet. I attended the event and am proud to report that the Jaycees have recruited many new members. Many veteran members also remain and the Jaycees have many plans to sponsor events that will better our community this year. The Jaycees and many other local service clubs and other community groups provide Jackson with endless opportunities and events that make our town a much better place. Thank you very much for your continued service. It is priceless.

The council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your comments, suggestions and ideas on how we can improve our town are always welcome.

Paul W. Sander

Mayor of Jackson