LETTERS: NAEGER ADDRESSES VINCENTIAN PLANS

To the editor:

In recent weeks, there has been some discussion of concerns regarding the Vincentians' decision to co-develop their Perryville property.

As a community leader and your state representative, I have given my support to the overall concept, because I see this development as a quality-of-life issue for the people of Perryville and of Perry County. We are very blessed with community leaders who have done many good things in the past to attract business and industry and to create thousands of jobs. We now have people commuting from many miles around. To continue to improve our quality of life, we must attract both commerce and people to our area. I have seen too many cases of our great cities in rural Missouri dwindle and die because they did not progress. The more opportunities we give people not only to commute here, but also to live and raise their families here, the better off our town, parishes, schools and community will be.

I was privileged to meet with leaders from the Vincentian community and other public officials earlier this year to discuss the co-development proposal. We viewed the conceptual drawings of the project. In reviewing the map, I noticed that the proposal included the land now used by St. Vincent Parish for its annual picnic. I shared my concerns about the future of the picnic site with the Vincentian representatives and was assured that they would work with the parish to provide an alternate location. The provincial's announcement last month included his intention to discuss the issue with the parish.

In the weeks that have followed the announcement, much concern has been expressed regarding the picnic site and the future of the picnic itself. I am disturbed by the implication that I am a willing participant in putting an end to this important tradition for St. Vincent Parish. This could not be further from the truth. My children attend St. Vincent School, and I am a graduate from that institution. I have a strong desire to ensure St. Vincent's future as a viable part of this community.

I believe that when smart people come together who have a community's best interests at heart, good things can happen. If I truly didn't believe in my heart that the Vincentians would make every effort to ensure that St. Vincent Parish will continue its tradition, I would be unlikely to lend my support to this proposal. I believe the picnic will continue to prosper for years to come, although it may not be at the very same location.

I have contacted the Vincentians and urged them to respond to the concerns of the people of St. Vincent Parish. I believe with all my heart that, by working together, the interests of the community, the parish and our families will be well-served.

I am grateful to know that all those I represent feel comfortable in voicing their concerns to me. I continue to welcome all your comments regarding this or any other issues in Perryville and Perry County.

PATRICK A. NAEGER, State Representative

District 155

Perryville