ALDERMAN CANDIDATES WANT TO MAKE SOME CHANGES

JACKSON -- Jackson Ward 1 alderman candidate Don Harris says the equal application of construction standards are needed within the City of Jackson. Jackson Ward 3 alderman candidate Chris Bowen says action to ensure that Jackson has an adequate water supply needs to be taken immediately.

Both men filed for seats on the Jackson Board of Aldermen Tuesday, the last day of filing.

Also filing that day for the Ward 2 seat was Richard Rushin, a former lieutenant with the Jackson Police Department. Rushin, who will run against Ward 2 incumbent Kerry Hoffman, was profiled in a previous article.

Harris is a planning proponent who says, "We need standards for inspections for construction which are applied consistently and equally on all people and contractors in our town."

He will be running against Alderman David Hitt.

Harris lives at 2326 Bainbridge Road and has two sons, Alex, 6, and Logan, 4. He is a licensed independent insurance agent and owns Senior Benefits Service, which markets health and long-term care insurance and specializes in annuities.

He also operates Just Kids, a day-care facility.

That business gives him unique qualifications, he said. "In my day care business I am exposed to the needs of working parents, single moms and kids. I feel my background gives me great insight into the Jackson community."

Bowen is a registered land surveyor and vice president of Bowen Engineering & Surveying Inc., a business headed by his father, Rich. Rich Bowen formerly was the city's consulting engineer.

The younger Bowen, who is making his first run for political office, is a consultant to the Cape Girardeau County Planning & Zoning Board.

He will oppose Alderwoman Valerie Tuschoff in the April 6 election.

"Personally, I like Val," Bowen said. "I think I am more qualified to hold the position than she is."

Upgrading and expanding the city water system to ensure that all areas have adequate water supply -- especially during emergencies -- is an important project, Bowen said.

"A year and a half ago the citizens of Jackson passed a special bond issue to address these problems, and immediate action must be taken to address these problems. I want to put that money to work and get these projects done."

Jackson is facing tremendous challenges because of growth right now, Bowen said. "I want to be involved with the city council because of these challenges and the challenges we will face in the future.

Bowen attended Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri. He and his family live at 2085 N. Farmington Road.