CHANGES IN HISTORY: IN DRUG WAR, CITY VOTING AND FLOODS

The hard work, educational efforts and stepped up law enforcement paid off. We were making progress in the war against drugs. While America had not turned the tide, the individual victories were sweet indeed.

But then complacency set in. Slowly, but surely, favorable references to drugs and smoking returned to television and movies. A new study indicates that smoking and drug use among teenagers is on the rise -- after a decade of decline.

And University of Michigan researchers who authored the study warned that "the stage is set for a potential resurgency of cocaine and crack use." They pointed to a relaxing of attitudes about the dangers of drugs by America's youth.

Enter U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders.

She holds a respected podium to promote public health issues. And from that soapbox, American's top doctor suggests that we consider legalizing drugs to reduce the nation's crime rate. That certainly underscores the message that drugs are wrong. It's a ridiculous approach. And it hurts those people who have worked long and hard to change attitudes about drugs.

But let us serve notice. We are not ready to concede this war. We may have lost a battle with these relaxing attitudes, but we're ready to roll up our sleeves and begin anew. Our secret weapon certainly lies with our young. From a very early age, they must learn that drugs are destructive to people and society. As Project Charlie and other self-esteem building programs work their way through our school systems, we feel confident this trend can be reversed. We must also do our part individually -- striking out at home about the dangerous of drugs and smoking.

And as we choose reinforcements in the war against drugs, we'll strike Joycelyn Elders' name from the list.

Today represents a historic footnote in the evolution of Cape Girardeau's government. Today, only those voters in Wards 2 and 6 will head to the polls to cast their ballot in a primary election.

It marks the first time since the city charter was adopted 13 years ago that only some of the people will be allowed to vote in an election affecting Cape Girardeau's future.

In this primary election, three candidates will vie for two seats each in Ward 2 on the city's east side, and Ward 6, on the west side. Winners will join mayoral candidates in the city's April municipal election.

We encourage voters to take advantage of this new system of government. It was advocated as a system designed to bring government closer to the people, in that councilmen are elected to represent a particular area of the city.

If only a few participate, it won't help ensure that the desires of an entire ward are represented. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Those living in Wards 2 and 6 should vote at their normal voting places.

Now is the time for voters in the newly-created Wards 2 and 6 to be heard -- and test the waters for ward representation. Please vote today.

Sabreliner Corp. -- along with many other businesses in river flood plain -- had a tough 1993. But flood preparation efforts have earned a citation for the company by the Army Association of America.

We commend the company for its heads-up actions. Not only did preparations save tools and equipment to continue the Army T53 helicopter engine rebuilding program without interruption -- it also saved jobs that might have been displaced during the flood.

In early July -- with floodwaters threatening the Perryville airport -- the company decided to move government property to safe warehouse areas and establish alternative operation sites. Not everyone was so farsighted. Some companies lost millions in equipment and resources, including some governmental agencies.

Employees also pitched in to help -- storing filing cabinets, computers and other small equipment in their homes and cars.

These efforts prevented the loss of $38 million in government inventory, and the company was able to fulfill all its contracts. In the midst of adversity, Sabreliner showed it has the right stuff that makes it a top-notch firm and a good neighbor.