Alexander County politicians run campaigns on economy

CAIRO, Ill. -- Alexander County remains mired in economic depression. The two candidates for Alexander County commissioner agree on that point and little else.

Incumbent Democrat John "Andy" Clarke of Olive Branch and Republican Angela Greenwell of rural Cairo disagree on how to boost the local economy.

Clarke said the county commission is working to secure federal grants for projects ranging from a lodge at Horseshoe Lake to a high-speed Internet connection.

He said county officials have cut costs in county government operations and balanced the county budget.

"Overall, what people want is good fiscal management, to know they are getting their money's worth for their tax dollars," he said.

Greenwell argues that the county commission hasn't spent grant money wisely and that commission business needs to be handled more openly. "Cairo is falling down. The county is shutting down," she said.

The contest for commissioner -- a part-time job that carries a salary of $8,000 a year -- is the only contested race for county office in Alexander County in November.

Greenwell, 69, who formerly headed the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, has campaigned on a promise of more open and honest county government. She has criticized the county's flood-plain regulations, saying they have prevented new construction in unincorporated areas of the economically depressed county.

That issue has sparked residents of McClure, an unincorporated town near Cape Girardeau, to seek to incorporate as a village. The measure is on the November ballot, needing a simple majority for passage.

Greenwell said she understands the frustration of McClure residents who can't rebuild homes or businesses damaged by fires or storms or build additions under the county's flood-plain regulations.

Greenwell would like to see county commission meetings held in the evening.

"I want county government to be open to the people so they have a voice," she said.

Clarke, a 48-year-old real estate appraiser/broker from Olive Branch, said the county is being run well. He has campaigned on his experience in county government. He is completing a six-year term on the county commission. While it's his first term as commissioner, he isn't new to the courthouse. He served two terms as county clerk from 1982 to 1990.

"The people that know me know that when they have a problem with their taxes, when they have a problem with their roads, when they have a problem with any facet of county activities, we can quickly get any kind of problem resolved," he said.

But Greenwell argues that too often Clarke caters to special interests rather than the general public.

Clarke said he has worked hard to secure federal grants to spur economic development in the county. He said he's currently working on a $1.2 million federal grant for a lodge at Horseshoe Lake as well as $1 million in state and federal money for a visitors center in Cairo.

Clarke said he and other county officials have pushed to get run-down housing torn down. "We have spent over $1 million tearing down dilapidated housing and derelict structures in this county in the last six years," he said.

Greenwell said the real issue is changing the status quo. "This is a last-ditch effort to make a change in government operations at the courthouse," she said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

Candidate Q&A

What is the biggest problem facing Alexander County?

Clarke: The out migration of people over the last 20 years, prompting a declining tax base and making it hard for the county to compete to attract new industry. The county also has seen a loss of major industries.

Greenwell: Economic depression. Cairo is falling down. The county is shutting down. Federal grants aren't being directed toward people's needs. County flood-plain regulations are stifling growth.

What can the county commission do to attract new business and industry?

Clarke: We have received millions of dollars in grants. We provided economic incentives to Farrow Lumber Co. which allowed the company not only to stay in Alexander County, but also to actually expand. Bunge Corp. was going to shut down its plant in Cairo. But through the cooperation of various local, state and county agencies, we were able to provide them a decrease in property taxes and Bunge is now operating 24 hours a day.

Greenwell: Work fairly for the interests of all people, not just a few. Change the way county government operates. This is a last-ditch effort to make a change in government operations at the courthouse.

Are there any changes you would like to see made in how county government operates?

Clarke: We all believe that county, state and the federal government could be operated on a more efficient basis. But our county has been very decisive in cutting costs. We have a balanced budget.

Greenwell: I want county government to be open to the people so they have a voice. I want meetings scheduled when people can attend meetings. County board meetings are held at 9 a.m. I would like to see evening board meetings.

Why do you want to serve on the county commission?

Clarke: One of the largest pleasures I have is actually being able to help the citizens of our county. The people that know me know that when they have a problem with their taxes, when they have a problem with their roads, when they have a problem with any facet of county activities, we can quickly get any kind of problem resolved.

Greenwell: I want to help the people. I know we have to have good honest government to respond to the needs of all people. I won't fight for a buck, but I will fight for my principles. One person can make a difference.

What qualifications do you have that would make you the best candidate for the job?

Clarke: My experience in county government, including serving as county clerk. I have expertise in property tax management. I have expertise in financial management. We have a great relationship among the county commissioners. There is no personal infighting. We have an understanding that we want to work together.

Greenwell: I have worked with community projects since 1971, including saving Fort Defiance Park (at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers at Cairo). I will work 24-7 for the people. I can better afford the time and effort than the average person around here.