Cape Girardeau voters weigh in on Transportation Trust Fund sales tax renewal

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— Voters across the Cape Girardeau area headed to the polls Tuesday to decide on a range of local issues, including the proposed extension of the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF-7), a half-cent sales tax, with no tax increase for citizens, that funds city road improvements.

First approved in 1995, the Transportation Trust Fund has been renewed every five years. This year’s measure includes big proposed projects such as improvements to Mount Auburn Road ($5.5 million), Perryville Road ($3.5 million), South Sprigg Street ($4.5 million), and continued annual maintenance citywide.

Paul Smollen, a local voter, talks about the importance of casting your vote. “If we don’t show up and vote and we don’t make a decision, somebody else will make those decisions for us,” he said.

Another voter, Liz Haynes, talks about the significance of the TTF vote. “That is the infrastructure of our city streets… it gives people a sense of community to see their surroundings in good shape,” she said.

Haynes also pleased by strong voter turnout. “Sometimes, especially in our community on local issues, it really comes down to the wire,” she said.

Polls closed Tuesday evening, and results are pouring in for the Cape Girardeau City question.

Absentee voters –

263 – Yes

126 – No

5 – Undervote

Precinct 1 –

169 – Yes

82 – No

3 – Undervote

Precinct 2A and 3C –

131 – Yes

57 – No

1 – Undervote

Precinct 2B/3B –

90 – Yes

49 – No

1 – Undervote

Precinct 3A/5C –

234 – Yes

57 – No

6 – Undervote

Precinct 4A –

339 – Yes

90  – No

1 – Undervote

Precinct 4B –

330 -Yes

104 – No

2 – Undervotes

Precinct 5A –

309 – Yes

102 – No

2 – Undervotes

Precinct 5B/ 6

548 – Yes

195 – No

8 – Undervotes

Resulting in

2,416 – Yes

862 – No

18 – Undervotes