I firmly believe it is the responsibility of the City of Cape Girardeau along with her residents and Southeast Missouri State University and its students to maintain respect, consideration and an appreciation of our relationship as good neighbors. At any given time and place when there is a concentrated number of people in a given area, it can be problematic to maintain the integrity of such an area. I also believe that it is fair and reasonable to expect integrity to be maintained not only in relationships but also in spatial environments.

The point at hand is the integrity of the Southeast campus and the neighborhoods which share boundaries, most recently the Historic Boulevard District. Our common interests are safety, functionality, aesthetics and service to constituents. Financial and practical solutions to common problems must work themselves out in measured efforts, which attempt to achieve both our common and respective goals.

I believe it is both fair and reasonable to adjust parking regulations with all people and things considered expecting that the holistic outcome will result in an overall improvement in both our relational and spatial environment. The efforts of maintaining boundaries, balance and benefits takes constant re-evaluation in an environment that is established and yet vibrant, growing and expanding. The tensions involved must be channeled into safeguarding the interests of long-term residents along with transient visitors.

The current ordinance for the Historic Boulevard District is the outcome of evaluating the problems, needs and desires of our neighborhood in an attempt to recover some "breathing room" in a highly congested area. It is my hope that less congestion will contribute to a neighborhood benefit that will enhance not only the homes, the streets and the investments around the university but will also enhance the university community itself.

I am looking forward to continued discussion with regard to our neighborhood relations. Thank you for the invitation to participate in this dialogue and welcome to our beautiful historic neighborhood!