Speak Out 6/30/11

Slumlords

IT'S about time the city cracks down on these landlords. For the most part they're pretty good, but there are some who are just nothing more than slumlords. Their idea of fixing a water pipe is to put a bucket under it.

Flat tax

I have friends in St. Louis who have so much they have to keep it in states that don't have a property tax and work the system as to pay very little in income tax. We need an across-the-board flat tax, no loopholes and no deductions.

Great service

I had an occasion to visit the driver's license office in Cape Girardeau last Monday to renew my truck tags. I had all my documentation and went over my lunch hour. I was the fourth person in line and two service windows were open. The service was fast, efficient and courteous, and I was out and on my way in 15 minutes. Great job, ladies.

Cutting costs

DO hardworking citizens of Cape Girardeau get a raise every time food or fuel prices go up? No. So we're getting a 42 cents surcharge for a water bill for what might happen. I have a few suggestions. The fire department does not need to drive the firetruck to pick up takeout food or sodas. The police cars should be used for public safety, not to transport their families -- unless their family members are criminals. The city employees need to do the same. They need to keep from driving around Cape Girardeau, going through drive-thrus and picking up sodas.

Mail service

TO the people who wrote in about the mail service on Woodland Hills and Ranchito Drive: The mail carrier that we've got now in Jackson must have been trained by the same one that delivers your mail.

Groove to music

MY wife and I recently attended the sold-out Earth, Wind and Fire show in St. Louis. We noticed everyone of all races were dancing and having fun. It would be great if world leaders got together and grooved to some music.

I-55 safety

THE metal bars MoDOT put on southbound Interstate 55 are not only a waste of taxpayer money but are also very dangerous. While passing a semi in the left lane, I was pushed to the metal rails. It was a hard decision whether to let the semi hit me or go 70 mph into the metal rails. Can't wait for my 16-year-old son to start driving on it.