Henson, Maxwell seeking GOP nomination for Cape Girardeau County Treasurer

Following the retirement announcement of longtime Cape Girardeau County treasurer Roger Hudson, two candidates have filed to run in the Republican primary.

Experienced banker and chairperson of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Central Committee Matthew Henson will take on fellow banker and former president of the Jackson R-2 School District Foundation Ronnie Maxwell for the vacant seat during the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election.

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.

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

Henson: I received my B.S. degree in business administration (majors in management and law enforcement) from Southeast Missouri State University. From there I began my 36-year journey in banking which allowed me to experience many facets of the industry. I was a licensed Series 6 investment representative, certified as a government lending specialist and was extensively involved in all manner of lending, mergers and acquisitions, and much more! My last role in banking was as the regional community president for Southeast Missouri at U.S. Bank, managing 22 market locations across 13 counties in Southeast Missouri.

Maxwell: The treasurer role requires a skill set that fits my work experience perfectly. I have 20 years of banking experience with certificates in bank management and commercial and residential lending courses, my time leading boards — such as the Jackson Heritage Association, president of the Jackson R-2 School District Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and church council, coupled with owning a business and operating it for seven years.

What would your top priority as treasurer be?

Henson: My top priority as treasurer would be to work closely with Roger (Hudson) to facilitate a seamless transition and integrate myself as a vital partner with the other key roles in the county government. I will become active in the Missouri Association of Counties (MAC) and continue Cape Girardeau County's key leadership statewide.

Maxwell: I have three main goals for my vision of the office of treasurer. First, I will serve the citizens of Cape Girardeau County as a trustworthy steward of their money. Second, I plan to develop a program to help stimulate the economy in Cape Girardeau County by helping small businesses and our ag community with a MO Bucks-style program that will be tailored to businesses in Cape County only, keeping our dollars local while creating jobs and growth in our area. Finally, I plan to develop a financial literacy program to invest time and energy into teaching students in Cape Girardeau County about finance and how to manage money which will serve Cape for future generations.

What steps will you take to ensure financial integrity in the office?

Henson: The financial integrity of the office will be best maintained through a focused and effective transition. With the depth of my experience and work ethic, the role of treasurer will give the citizens of Cape Girardeau County confidence that the office is executed at the highest level.

Maxwell: The role of treasurer for Cape Girardeau County requires someone to serve the citizens with integrity, openness and honesty. My record shows that I am willing to make tough calls even with people that I have known for years, if need be. I learned from my mentor years ago that people take money very seriously. Unfortunately, in my career in banking I have seen money make people do ugly things. That’s why when I teach financial classes to guys at church or kids in school I tell them to learn to use money like a tool and not to worship it.

What are your biggest work-related accomplishments that relate to the role of treasurer?

Henson: My biggest work-related accomplishments are founded in the depth and breadth of the experience gained during my 36 years in banking. With my experience and training with investments and government lending, as well as being responsible for large portfolios and complex transactions, I have an entire career of preparation to bring to the treasurer's office. I have worked with others to achieve success and know how to get results.

Maxwell: Some of my biggest accomplishments that relate to the role of treasurer would be my time served in the retail side of the bank. For years I helped customers invest their money in a way that fit their specific needs. I plan to do the same thing as treasurer for Cape Girardeau County.

What would you do to ensure the taxpaying public is fully aware of the county’s financial condition?

Henson: The financial operation of the county should always be handled with transparency. As treasurer, managing funds, reporting conditions/trends and working closely as a valued partner with the county commission, auditor and other officeholders will provide the taxpayers with full disclosure.

Maxwell: Technology will be a huge tool to ensure taxpayers are aware of what is going on financially for the county. In my banking career I have seen technology change a lot especially most recently after COVID. Keeping up to date with technology will help to ensure the public is able to stay connected and aware of the information they deserve to know.