Opinion
(2009-07-13)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
A new sign welcoming visitors to Jefferson City has raised a question about what exactly the city's official name is The State Capitol, Jefferson City, Jeff City, Jeff, the City of Jefferson - all refer to the same place. While most people have a preference, the actual official name is "The City of Jefferson." That's what the city was incorporated as in 1825, and that's what appears on city vehicles, letterhead, and official documents. But a new sign that's being placed on the city's east side will read - "Welcome to Jefferson City." The East Side Business Association is donating the sign. But before it could be placed, the city council had to approve it. When the measure was introduced at a recent council meeting, one of the members asked what the city's proper legal name was. According to Mayor John Landwehr, that sparked a discussion about how they city should be referred to. ..."I think the official name is City of Jefferson, but we've come to call ourselves Jefferson City for so many years and so many people refer to us as Jefferson City. That's really fine too."
Landwehr says the name issue is not a big deal. He says the sign as it currently reads will be placed on the city's east side. And he says the hope is to have three or more signs like it to welcome visitors as they enter Jefferson City.
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