Moving Cape Forward
Read John’s ideas about:
Jobs
As the regional center for Southeast Missouri, we need to continue to attract new industry as well as support the business we have, especially small businesses. We must continue to collaborate with the cities of Jackson and Scott City, as well as the County and the Chamber of Commerce, to ensure that we put our best foot forward for prospective businesses wishing to locate to our area. I will continue to look for ways to enable our small businesses to grow and prosper.
Transportation
Good transportation is fundamental to a thriving local economy. The Transportation Trust Funds have enabled our city to maintain our existing roads while adding new streets and sidewalks and improving our airport. It is vital we continue to invest in both residential and commercial streets, bike paths, and sidewalks, and I will work hard to ensure that TTF4 is approved by the voters this August.
Public Safety
A safe and secure community is paramount to our quality of life. I will continue to work with our Police and Fire departments to ensure they have the equipment necessary to keep us safe, as well as competitive compensation. Additionally, we need to explore alternatives to the current private ambulance service to ensure we are able to respond to emergency situations quickly and professionally. I will work to ensure we have a comprehensive plan to address our aging wastewater treatment plant that will serve our current and future needs.
Recreation
Our parks are some of the best in the state, and for that we should be proud! The Shawnee Sports Complex, the Osage Community Center, Arena Park and Capaha Park, the Jaycee’s golf course, and walking trails all enable our community to get and stay fit. Soon, the Aquatic Center, Cape Splash, the Shawnee Community Center, and a walking and bicycle trail connecting our system to the County Parks, will open, all presenting additional opportunities for our citizens to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. I am committed to our Parks and Recreation department’s efforts to provide top notch facilities and attract visitors and tourism to our city.
Education
Our community can only succeed when our students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Our public and private schools must have our time, talent, and treasures to secure our future. As a member of the Council I will continue to work closely with the Board of Education to increase our test scores and graduation rates.
Better Government
Our government is accountable to you, the taxpayer. You deserve the information you want, when you want it. Our website has been improved and expanded to offer you content that is easy to find and available when you need it. We are looking for ways to deliver essential services in the most effective and efficient way possible. We are in the midst of improving our solid waste collection program by using automated collection trucks and single stream recycling, increasing our total system capacity, while enabling our costs to stay flat and hopefully decreasing the amount of waste we landfill. We have also implemented the “Girardeau Goes Green” advisory board to assist the city in becoming more environmentally responsible.
The Comprehensive Plan and DREAM strategic plans have tremendous ideas that articulate the potential for our city. We have started to develop more near term plans for implementing these plans. I will continue to push for an organization that is focused on your needs and accountable for their performance at all levels.