BEGGS CHALLENGES MILLER FOR COUNTY CLERK

JACKSON -- Stating that it is time for change, Laura Beggs will run for Cape Girardeau County Clerk.

"I am running to put partisanship aside, to bring innovation and new ideas to our county clerk's office," said Beggs. "I know with my education and background I am qualified to serve the people of this county. I will be energetic and aggressive in my service to the office."

A Republican and native of Jackson, Beggs filed for the office Friday on the last day of a special extended filing period that was opened after Greg Lincoln withdrew as a Republican candidate.

The Democratic candidate is Rodney Miller, who is seeking a fifth term.

Beggs stressed she was filing to bring positive change to the clerk's office.

Said Beggs, "I am running for the county clerk's office and not just against a longtime incumbent. The office belongs to the people and after 15 years, I believe we can do better for Cape County by implementing improvements for the office. I am certain that the new approaches and ideas I bring to the position will benefit the voters and the taxpayers of this county."

Beggs, 26, works for the United States Department of Defense as a career counselor in St. Louis, where she provides support for transitioning military personnel.

Previously, she served as an intern with the city of Jackson, and as an intern and secretary for State Rep. Harold G. Weil.

She graduated with honors from Southeast Missouri State University with a master's degree in public administration, and also holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science from Southeast. She also served as a graduate assistant at the university.

Beggs has worked and assisted in the management of Pioneer Market in Jackson, a family owned and operated business. She is the daughter of Sam and Margaret Beggs. Her mother works as a local records analyst for the secretary of state's office and is active in historic preservation in the county.

The county clerk is the chief election authority in Cape County, and Beggs said she would take that responsibility quite seriously.

"Over the last decade politicians have continued to ignore our voices by raising and creating new burdensome taxes, heaping on new regulations, and ignoring our pleas to address the problems we need so desperately resolved," observed Beggs. "The only voice we have left is that of our vote at the ballot box.

"My commitment as county clerk is to insure that all people will have access to vote, will be able to exercise their voice, and in each election, send a loud and clear message to the politicians."

Beggs said she has heard concerns from several people that the clerk's office has been used at times for partisan purposes.

"I will not tolerate the office to be used for partisan purposes or for the benefit of any one party or candidate," she said. "If people don't believe that the election process is fair, they will lose faith in our system of government. That faith has been what has kept our country strong. It will be my duty to be the guardian of fair elections in our community."

If elected, Beggs said she would not only be a full-time county clerk, but also work with other leaders to find solutions to problems facing the area.

In particular, Beggs said she would like to work toward economic growth to provide opportunities for young people to stay in the area.

"I feel that I am sensitive to those concerns being someone who commutes between my job in St. Louis and my home in Jackson every week," Beggs said.

Some of her past activities have included: volunteering for the Cape County Probation and Parole Office, the Cape County Historical Society, and the Cape County Republican Women. She served as vice president of the Criminal Justice Association at Southeast Missouri State, is a member of the Business and Professional Women Association, the Professional Women's Alliance, and The Human Resource Management Association.