COUNCILMAN NOW FAVORS PURCHASE OF WATER SYSTEM

Cape Girardeau City Councilman Doug Richards Thursday issued a news release stating that he has changed his mind and now favors the city's purchase of the water system from Union Electric.

The council Sept. 16 approved a resolution endorsing the purchase proposal, but Richards and Mayor Gene Rhodes voted against the measure. Richards said at the time that he hadn't fully studied the proposal and couldn't support the resolution until he had.

The issue also was mentioned at Monday's city council meeting, when council member Mary Wulfers asked Richards if he had made up his mind on the issue.

Richards said he was "leaning toward" support of the proposal, but was yet undecided.

But in Thursday's statement Richards said: "I have been able to obtain additional information to help me with my decision, and I do feel at this time that I should support the resolution as it was originally read.

"I realize this is a very complex issue. However, there are very few choices available to the citizens.

"I do feel that, considering the fact Union Electric has publicly stated that they will sell the system, it is in the citizens' best interest to maintain control by a local purchase of the system."

The council earlier approved a measure to place an $11.8 million bond issue on the November ballot to allow voters to decide whether the city should purchase the water system from Union Electric. That price includes $8.5 million for the water system and additional funds for operating costs and system improvements.

Union Electric officials have said they will sell the system to a private company if the city fails to buy it, which city officials say will lead to higher water rates for residents.

Rhodes has said he's "been against the proposal since day one," but favors letting voters decide the matter.

The Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and the city's Planning and Zoning Commission also have unanimously endorsed the water system purchase.