Cape Girardeau County Public Administrator race features two seeking GOP nomination

Following the unexpected death of Cape Girardeau County Public Administrator Lisa Reitzel, two candidates hope to receive the Republican nomination for the office during the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election.

County public administrators serve, primarily, in cases involving guardian and/or conservator for mentally disabled persons, personal representative of deceased estates and conservator of minor estates.

Current acting public administrator Laura Cassatt said she hopes to earn the position full-time. Kyla Biester has served as a children’s service worker in the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

The Southeast Missourian sent questionnaires to each candidate running in a contested race in order to inform voters on each candidate’s plans for office ahead of the Aug. 6 primary election. Candidates were asked to answer each question in 100 or fewer words. Any answer significantly longer than 100 words has been edited for brevity. Candidate responses are presented as written by the candidate and have only been edited for spelling and grammatical errors.

Why are you running for public administrator?

Biester: I am running for public administrator because I feel called to serve a population that can’t care for themselves. I understand this is a tough position, and I am ready for a new challenge where my knowledge and skills can be used. I feel like my experience has prepared me to be a competent public administrator for Cape Girardeau County.

Cassatt: I have always loved taking care of others and helping them have what they need to achieve their life goals. When Lisa Reitzel called to come work with her at Cape County Public Administrator's office as chief deputy, I felt it was a door the good Lord opened. As I worked closely with Lisa for six months and now as the public administrator, I am handling the office as closely as she did for the last 11 1/2 years. While being her right hand and by her side, she taught me so much in caring for her people, now “my people".

What experience or qualifications do you have that would be relevant as public administrator?

Biester: I have a bachelor’s degree in human environmental studies. I worked with older autistic individuals at the Tailor Institute. I carried out the duties of two grants for SEMO. I was a Social Services Specialist III with the Missouri Children’s Division. For 10 years, I worked with families while the children remained in the home and with families who lost custody of their children. I identified areas of need and assisted them with resolving issues to regain custody. As a Subsidy worker, I prepared legal guardianship subsidies. I was a relative licensing worker and completed relative and court ordered home studies, renewals, licensed and maintained homes in the 32nd Circuit.

Cassatt: I have an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management where I have used my degree with several companies in the last 20 years to help me with administration and financial aspects of my position as public administrator. After doing the job for six months before her passing, I was appointed by the Cape County Commissioners on April 22 and am now handling this position 24/7 to be available for any issues that may arise.

What would your top priority as public administrator be?

Biester: My top priority is to meet with each person to learn how I can help them individually. I will work collaboratively with the community to find additional resources. I will assist individuals in becoming more independent in an effort for them to be restored.

Cassatt: My top priority is and will always be to make sure that “my people” can achieve to their highest potential and make certain that they are healthy, happy, cared for and safe wherever they may reside. I make sure that they are in the least restrictive environment for their mental and physical well-being. I also think that making sure that I see them as often as I can and visit with the care plan team quarterly is very important. I want to continue this journey because they are worth the fight.

How would you balance the interests of individuals versus the public in this position?

Biester: Public administrators make decisions on behalf of individuals that do not involve the general public. Decisions would be made after careful consideration and consultation with the individual. I would consult with appropriate professionals when necessary.

Cassatt: I would balance the interests of my individuals and the public just as I have been doing since April 2024. I help my community where I am needed along with my individuals that I am court appointed to take care of mentally, physically, emotionally, medically and financially. I feel that it is important that individuals in the community know that I am a great resource if they need any assistance. I like to volunteer and fundraise for Special Olympics, Parkinson’s awareness, suicide prevention, Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s awareness.

What would your guiding principles be as public administrator?

Biester: Some of my guiding principles are honesty, integrity and respect. I would be open and honest with individuals regarding the decisions being made on their behalf. I would respect and consider the individual’s rights and wishes. I would advocate for individuals and treat them with dignity while earning and maintaining trust.

Cassatt: My principles as the public administrator are that I am transparent, accountable, obey the code of ethics, professionalism and great leadership. Also, I need to be mindful of the laws, regulations and statutes that are put in place in order to accomplish a successful office for my people, my community and all county officials.