The sign in Harper's window reads, ''Chinese food coming soon," and that's good news for Cairo. The new owners, whom we hope to introduce in next week's column, are here working on the building now. It will be great to have this restaurant open again.

Town Meeting No. 3 will be held this Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the Activity Center of Cairo Baptist Church, 215 Tenth Street. Everyone should come to this meeting and have a part in the attempted recovery of our community. Seventy-five years ago the population of Cairo was 21,901 persons. The 2000 census showed 3,500 residents, and we have lost a number of people since then. We are fast approaching the time when it is "now or never" if we are to come out of this downward spiral. Town Meetings are being held for the purpose of pooling our thoughts and getting input from the people for the betterment of Cairo. Our county officials have been invited to attend this town meeting. Questions to them may be submitted in writing and will be presented by the moderator for this meeting. Rev. Kelly Cox.

The Revitalization of Cairo meeting last Thursday was held at the Cavalier Club. The first half concentrated on organization and economic development. Dr. Roger Beck of SIU, professor of Economic Development, talked about goals, where we want to be and how we are going to get there. He spoke of a change in attitude, and a block-by-block recovery, renovation and revitalization. School Board member, Marlene Schultz, said economic development was "all well and good," but the group needed to talk about the $4.19 million tax referendum that is back on the ballot for the election next week. Speaking for the tax increase, Mrs. Schultz stated that Cairo School District has no band, no band uniforms, and no band director. Others didn't see the relevancy of that statement with regard to building two new buildings at a time when the tax base is the lowest in history. It was also stated by school representatives that Cairo High is in such bad shape that school may not be allowed there in a year if certain repairs are not made. The high school building is 21 years old and is not included in the $4.19 million plan. It was also stated that taxes would only increase $100.00 or so. The group at large requested more factual information since Mayor Wilson said before the last referendum that taxes would increase 45% and would devastate the city. Mr. James Wissinger reported at last Thursday's meeting that the tax bill for property owners would go up about 35%.

Timing is another thing that has many concerned since the state is looking into changing the way schools are funded, acknowledging that putting the entire burden on property owners is not equitable. The suggestion was made that the school board look for other ways to fund their projects. Whichever way the vote goes, one thing is obvious - Cairo has a lot of problems that are only getting worse. There is an economic disaster in 62914, which is being addressed by the Revitalization of Cairo group. The next meeting is Thursday, November 7, at 5:30 p.m., at the Cavalier Club.