VISION FOR THE CITY

Many Cape Girardeau voters are being asked to take a few minutes this month to tell community leaders what they think of our city.

The Vision 2000 Community Relations Council drafted and sent out a questionnaire to some 1,500 registered voters. The council wants to tap voters' opinions regarding the city's strengths and weaknesses and, more importantly, how best to improve the quality of life here.

The community attitude survey is a worthwhile project, but it won't be effective without the cooperation of the voters who receive the questionnaire. Vision 2000 conducted a similar survey in 1987, which helped identify several issues later championed by Vision 2000 through its strategic goals for civic betterment.

Voters are being asked to rate Cape Girardeau in a wide range of categories, from industrial and retail growth to education and city planning. Information from such surveys is useful for several reasons.

It establishes a communication link between city leaders and those directly affected by their leadership. Also, the information gleaned from a survey is more objective than simply gauging community attitudes by what a handful of irate residents might say at a city council meeting.

The surveys have been sent to one out of every 12 registered voters, but there is no reason why a good percentage of those who don't receive questionnaires can't help achieve Vision 2000's worthy goals. It is an opportunity to shape Cape Girardeau's future through constructive civic action.