LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: SELLING OUT FOR `EASY STREET'

To the Editor:

During the past two campaigns on the Cape Girardeau riverboat gambling issue many facts and figures have been used to convince voters on both sides of the issue. It could accurately be said that these facts and figures could be very valuable in making an informed voting decision. But the issue of riverboat gambling, in Cape Girardeau, goes beyond dramatic lists of numbers and blanket statements about the future progress of our city. Very few people would say that they are against progress for the Cape Girardeau community. What is in question is the kind of progress we want for our community.

My family and I moved to Cape Girardeau over eight years ago and found this community to be progressing without compromising its family atmosphere. It offered many good qualities which stimulated us to move here. The opportunity for higher education, the beautiful parks, adequate shopping and a hub of highway access. We also felt a comfortable sense of security from the city services such as the city police protection. And most importantly, we felt good about the growth we saw. We witnessed growth of industries that produced local products and increased employment opportunities.

Now, I feel a sense of insecurity about the future goals of progression from some of our city business leaders. Our community has been and can be a magnet for attracting industries and businesses to our city because of it's existing atmosphere. Our leaders should actively pursue companies that would want their employees to live in and progress in a family oriented community ... the kind of community that attracted my family and others.

Sadly, there are those who are selling Cape Girardeau short for the "easy street" of riverboat gambling. This industry produces no product and must feed off of the citizens who are reaching for their own "easy street" by chance.

While watching KFVS TV-12 news I frequently see the "Made in the Heartland" segment, which I enjoy watching. Recently, this segment featured the Good Humor Ice Cream factory in Sikeston. This growing community boasts of new industries and businesses without the aid of gambling. At the end of the segment, it was announced that the product is "made in the heartland. I could sense the pride that the Sikeston community must have felt when they heard those words.

We can all look at figures on paper and even look at communities that have gambling casinos as their industry but how do we really feel about gambling in our community? Do we want KFVS to announce on a segment about Cape Girardeau, "gambling, made in the Heartland"?

Think long and clear when voting again in November. The decision we make will most certainly change our city and the type of progress we will make. I hope voters will again choose the progress that stands for what we can all be proud of.

Julia A. Kridelbaugh

Cape Girardeau