BURCH WILL JOIN RACE FOR SENATE

Promising to bring a conservative, common sense business approach to state government, Sikeston Mayor Bill Burch formally declared his candidacy for the Missouri Senate here Monday afternoon.

Burch said he would run an aggressive campaign that will focus on his background and experience.

"I really feel like we need to use a conservative, business-like approach to bring jobs to this area," said Burch.

A key part of his campaign, Burch noted, will be his six years of experience as mayor of Sikeston, the second largest town in the 27th Senate District. He has served on the city council nine years.

"I think you can look at my record in Sikeston to see what I have done," he said. "We have operated under a tight budget the last nine years, but have still been able to make real progress in Sikeston.

"I feel people want leadership, not showmanship."

Burch planned to file for the Democratic nomination this morning in Jefferson City. He is the first to formally announce his

candidacy to succeed retiring Sen. John Dennis, D-Benton.

He is the owner of Burch Food Services, based in Sikeston, which has increased from a 10 person vending operation to a 100-employee food service firm with branches in Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Paducah, and Martin, Tenn. The company services accounts in five states.

Joined by his family at a news conference in Cape Girardeau Monday afternoon, Burch pointed out that "Southeast Missouri has much to offer, but it takes a combined effort to make our dreams a reality.

"We need attention and plans for economic expansion to bring jobs to this district. We need improved transportation sources, expanded agri-business approaches and more. Our regional ports along the Mississippi River offer an amazing opportunity, and of course, our regional university in Cape Girardeau will always be a high priority."

Burch also promised to work toward improving opportunities for small businesses.

Burch has been active in a wide variety of civic and professional endeavors in addition to his work on the city council. The candidate said he enjoys public service.

"You get a sense of satisfaction from doing things for people," he noted. "I like that."

Burch has had someone holding a place in line for him outside the secretary of state's office since Thursday to insure the top position on the ballot. He said he wanted to jump out first so everyone understands he is serious about running a hard campaign to become the senator.

"I think it is important to declare yourself early, not wait and see who else is going to file," said Burch.

He is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where he majored in agriculture and minored in economics. He worked seven years for the Production Credit Association after graduating from college; was vice president of Coca Cola Bottling for almost nine years; and served as manager of Dale Vendors for about four years before starting his own company in 1977.

He is past president of the Sikeston Lions Club and Jaycees, a past national director of the United States Jaycees, and has been active with the Kenny Rogers Cerebral Palsy Center and the Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation Board.

He is currently a member of the Foundation board at Southeast Missouri State. He is chairman of the Scott County Democratic Central Committee and a member of the Democratic state committee.

He has received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, was named Man of the Year by the Sikeston Chamber in 1988, and the SEMO University Agriculture Department's Alumni of the Year in 1987.

Burch is a native of Matthews. He and his wife, Suzanne, have three children.