Vision for Tomorrow: Survey findings to be released

SIKESTON -- Results of a survey measuring how residents perceive Sikeston will be revealed Thursday during the city's "Vision for Tomorrow" meeting.

Sikeston's "Vision for Tomorrow" participants will learn about the recently completed Civic Index Survey which measures civic infrastructure, or residents' perceptions, on a number of issues.

"Like physical infrastructure, civic infrastructure is the crucial framework that a community utilizes to make decisions and solve problems within the community," said Vision facilitator Derek Okubo, who also designed the survey. "It is important to assess a community's civic infrastructure because it is the foundation from which resolutions and strategies will be based."

Okubo is the senior vice president of the National Civic League and has worked with nearly 70 cities nationwide to develop visions and strategic plans for community growth.

Among the issues explored in the survey include how well the local government is fulfilling its role in Sikeston, how well informed the average citizen and community area and how well Sikeston is bridging diversity within the community.

In reviewing Sikeston's results, Okubo said the manner in which local government, business and non-profits fulfilled their roles received high marks. However, how citizens fulfill their own roles was the lowest.

Bridging diversity and building leadership were viewed as areas where improvements were most needed. Methods to strengthen these areas will be a major topic of discussion, as well. Findings on all 12 of the surveyed areas, with an overview of Sikeston's demographics will be examined during the meeting.

Scheduled to participate in Thursday's presentation will be Dr. Bruce Domazlicky, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Southeast Missouri State University.

In future meetings, Vision participants will consider ways to bring people together and get them involved.

Vision co-chairs Jim Schwaninger and Carolyn Harris said it's vital residents attend and actively participate in these meetings.

"Carolyn and I challenge all Sikeston residents to attend Thursday's meeting, and to bring at least one person with you," Schwaninger said. "This is our opportunity to create the community of our dreams. It won't happen overnight. It will take all of us, working together to achieve our vision."

The final version of a Vision statement for Sikeston will also be presented at the meeting, following slight modifications made at the last session. A drafting team comprised of local residents Libby Caskey, Jackie Cowan, Mike Marsh, Mike Moll and Kathy Teachout developed the statement as an expression of what an ideal Sikeston would entail.

The public meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sikeston High School cafeteria. A light meal will be provided. Individuals planning to attend should confirm their attendance by calling 471-2512, ext. 4000 or e-mailing cityhall@sikeston.org.