LETTERS: BOLLINGER LAKE PLAN NEEDS UNIFIED EFFORT

To the editor:

Since the petition drive in Bollinger County regarding a countywide vote on a proposed lake project is in its infancy, talk of changing existing state legislation that authorizes a lake authority for such purposes is very premature.

It is important that everyone understand that those circulating the petitions fully expect to enlist the assistance of landowners in drafting the changes to be made in the legislation. It has been made acutely clear to me that there are several flaws in the legislation in the eyes of the landowners, and those flaws need to be addressed and fixed before the election.

There are those who say the changes in the legislation needed to be made before the petition drive was launched, and more than a couple of legitimate arguments can be made for this way of thinking. On the other hand, I feel the level of intensity and energy put forth in making improvements in this legislation will be much greater if all involved know their efforts will result in a product that will be put before the people.

This can only happen after the petition drive shows adequate support for the lake. It is very likely that if the majority of landowners aren't satisfied with the proposed changes to the legislation, then it will never reach the ballot box regardless of the number of signatures collected in the petition drive.

The original plan was to get the necessary petition signatures and then start to work on drafting the needed changes to the legislation. This would be early October. If, however, the landowners would prefer to discuss the changes sooner, this certainly can be accommodated. Their cooperation is critical for the lake to be a reality.

STAN CRADER

Jackson

EDITOR'S NOTE: Interested landowners and others may write to Stan Crader at 808 Highway 34 West, Marble Hill, Mo. 63764.