BOTH PARTIES BATTLE FOR CONTROL OF CAPE COUNTY COLLECTOR'S SEAT

The race for Cape Girardeau County Collector has brought campaigns on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.

The upcoming retirement of Harold Kuehle brought out candidates from both parties. Kuehle has been Cape Girardeau County's collector for 32 years.

On the Democratic ballot Judy Beussink faces Ed Meadows.

Judy Beussink has 33 years experience working with the county tax books and says her experience with the county does make a difference. She is currently chief deputy clerk in the County Clerk's office.

"I am confident I can take over where Harold Kuehle, the current County Collector, leaves off," she said. "I know what the office involves and have a good working relationship with his staff as well as all the county officials, department heads and employees of the county."

Beussink said Kuehle has implemented modern technology and office procedures, a practice she would continue.

In her experience with the county, Beussink has seen the growth and worked through changes from third class to second class and most recently to first class status.

"With each new classification, the county has strengthened in its progression and grown financially," she said. "My experience over the past 33 years is invaluable."

Ed Meadows said he's always been interested in politics. He uncle and mother both served in public office.

"After I sold my business, I thought this would be a good opportunity for me," he said.

For 16 years, he owned and operated Broadway Medical Equipment in Cape Girardeau.

Meadows said his experience in business would be helpful in running the collector's office. "The county is nothing but a business," he said. "I feel I'm well qualified to handle it."

He is opening a new business, Mr. Ed's Deli and TCBY, but said a full-time manager will handle the day-to-day operations.

"I've always enjoyed working in the community and I've been involved in a wide range of community activities," he said. "You have to deal with people and know how to get along."

Voters taking a Republican ballot will have four candidates to consider, Diane Diebold, Matt Hopkins, Chris Johnston and Tom Cahill.

Diane Diebold, controller at Double D Tractor Parts, Inc., in Sikeston, said her experience in accounting has prepared her for the job of County Collector.

"County Collector is a field of accounting, which I have done for 26 years," she said. "I have dedicated my whole career to accounting."

Diebold called the job of County Collector vital to the county. "You need someone experienced in accounting who can run an office and manage a staff," she said.

In the job, the collector accounts for millions of tax dollars coming in and being distributed to various taxing entities in the county.

"If that office doesn't stay on top of it and do it correctly, that causes a big problem," Diebold said.

In addition to experience in accounting, Diebold has experience with computers and automated accounting systems. The collector's office is almost entirely computerized.

"I know what this job entails. I had extensive conversations with Harold before I decided to run," she said. "I just know in my mind and in my heart I know I will enjoy this job and that I will be good at it."

Matt Hopkins is interested in making Cape Girardeau County a better place to live.

"I've always been interested in the community," Hopkins said. "That's evidenced by my participation in the community."

He is executive director of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.

Efficient management is needed to make the collector's office run.

"The collector collects for the various entities. It's important to distribute that money in a timely manner so all those organizations can continue to operate."

At the March of Dimes, Hopkins has facilitated a 48 percent increase in revenue. "We have a good collection rate on commitments."

Chris Johnston says his 14 years as a small business owner have given him the experience needed to be County Collector.

Johnston is owner of Frontier Food Mart and Kitchen in Fruitland. Previously, he owned businesses in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

He was also instrumental in formation of a sewer district in the Fruitland area. Voters approved formation of the district. Johnston serves on the board, which is exploring the feasibility of a sewer system in the growing Fruitland area.

"I think the office needs to be run like a business," Johnston said. "The number one thing to remember is this is not our money. It's the taxpayers' money. It must be used wisely and the office run efficiently."

His experience as a small business owner would prove helpful in running the collector's office, Johnston said. "I'm familiar with payrolls, profit and loss statement, setting budgets and meeting them. Nowdays, to stay afloat in a small business, you need those skills."

Tom Cahill is interested in the job of County Collector. It pays $41,000 a year. "I've got 13 years experience in collection," Cahill said, which would qualify him for the job.

Cahill owns and operates Cahill Cleaning Service.

Cahill suggests that the county should consider lowering taxes. "Cut the tax rates now and the county should have a lower delinquency rate, therefore less collection costs," he said.

He hasn't spent any money on campaigning. He and his family are saving money to purchase a new home.

"I haven't accepted any campaign contributions, so I remain represented to each and every Cape County citizen," he said. "No political favors to pay back.

"I haven't purchased any campaign signs," he added. "If there is a citizen of Cape County that is tired of seeing political signs cluttering our scenic roadways, then vote for Cahill."

Judy Beussink

Age: 53

Democrat

Jackson

Graduate of Portageville High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University.

Chief Deputy County Clerk of Cape Girardeau County. She started her career in Cape County government in 1965, working in the County Clerk's office.

No previous offices.

Beussink and her husband, David, have two children.

Claude Edward (Ed) Meadows III

44

Democrat

Jackson

Education: Graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University, with general studies degree, business and science emphasis.

Business: Owner of Meadows Enterprises since August 1996, opening Mr. Ed's Deli and TCBY Yogurts. In 1995 and 1996, he was operations manager of Rotech Medical Corporation. From 1979 to 1995, he owned Broadway Medical Equipment.

No previous offices.

Meadows and his wife, Sharon, have four children.

Diane Diebold

Age: 41

Republican

Jackson

Education: Graduate of Notre Dame High School and graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in business administration, accounting major.

Business: 1996 to present, controller at Double D Tractor Parts, Inc., in Sikeston. 1977 to 1996, accountant at Drury Company in Cape Girardeau.

No previous offices.

Family: Diebold and her husband, Vince, have no children.

Matt Hopkins

Age: 34

Republican

Cape Girardeau

Education: Graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University with a degree business administration in finance and management.

Business: Executive director of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. Formerly he was a representative for Commerce Clearinghouse, selling law reporters to accountants and attorneys.

No previous offices.

Family: He and his wife, Barbara, have two children.

Chris Johnston

Age: 33

Republican

Fruitland

Education: Graduate of Oak Ridge High School.

Business: Owner/operator of The Frontier Food Mart and Kitchen in Fruitland last six years. He has been a business owner since age 18, owning Bloomin' Balloons & Flowers in Cape Girardeau and Dalton Florists in Jackson. He also managed the Steak-N-Shake Restaurant in Cape Girardeau and Rolla for Druco Restaurants Industry. He also was a manager helping open a Wal-Mart Supercenter deli.

No previous offices.

Family: Johnston and his wife, Julie, have three children.

Tom Cahill

Age: 40

Republican

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Education: Graduate of Woonsocket High School in South Dakota and the University of South Dakota-Vermillion with a degree in business administration, accounting major.

Business: Cahill owns and operates Cahill Cleaning Service. He has computer and worldwide collection experience working for a Fortune 500 oil field service company.

No previous offices.

Family: He and his wife, Patrice, have one son.