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Last Sunday's Standard Democrat included an editorial calling for stepped-up community education efforts to promote the drafted Sikeston City Charter. I agree wholeheartedly that we face a challenge in helping the public understand the changes that passage of the charter can bring about, and would like to offer an update on the initial publicity efforts that are under way.

As you know, the public has been invited to the more than 25 meetings held by the Charter Commission so that they can express their opinions on the Commission's work as it progressed. The Commission's meeting minutes have been available at City Hall and also posted on the Internet at sikeston.org as they've been approved, along with the Charter draft it has evolved.

A public hearing on the draft Charter was held Dec. 17 to explain it and get more input on the complete product. We will have another public hearing at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the City Council chambers to get more input. We invite and encourage the public area and news media to attend.

Presentations have already been made to some Sikeston civic organizations, such as Rotary and Lions, with more to be scheduled. And at its Jan. 14 meeting, the Commission approved budgeting funds to disseminate Charter information through area media and by other means as appropriate.

Again, helping the public understand what will be proposed on the April 2 ballot is a challenge - sort of a refresher course in Civics 101. In the spirit of the Charter itself, we want to provide every opportunity possible for public input and understanding. We look forward to the cooperation of area media to help us in this very important task. Thanks again for bringing it to the community's attention.

Jim Schwaninger,

public relations chair

Sikeston Charter Commission