CANDIDATE FOR STATE REP HOLDS RALLY AT CITY PARK

It didn't bother Stan Wicks that about half the crowd at a political rally and fund-raising event Sunday afternoon weren't old enough to vote. He just wanted everyone to feel welcome.

"Everyone should be equal, whether they are eight or 80," said Wicks, a Republican candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives.

Besides, the teen-agers who had gathered under a tent near the band shell at Capaha Park have parents who do vote, Wicks said.

Wicks, of Cape Girardeau, is seeking the state representative seat being vacated by Rep. Mary Kasten's retirement. Wicks is one of three Republican candidates vying for the post. City Councilman Jay Purcell and Jason Crowell, a lawyer, are both running on the Republican ticket.

The winner in the Republican primary race will face Tom Neumeyer, a Democrat, in the November election.

About 30 people attended the rally that included entertainment from two area bands and a speech by Wicks. Most of the people were dressed in shorts and T-shirts and sat under tents in folding chairs.

Wicks, and his wife, Debbie, both said the event was purposefully casual. "This isn't something where you have to have $100 to get in," Wicks said. "You can get into that where it would be exclusive but this is open to anybody."

Donations were accepted but not required. "We aren't requiring money to be welcomed," Wicks said, standing next to the entryway where he greeted each newcomer to the party and offered them food and drinks.

Wicks said he considers his campaign something akin to a job interview. He's been keeping things simple with a few television and radio commercials and door-to-door contacts.

"I'm applying for a job and I'm asking the people if they would like to hire me," he said.

During the rally, Wicks talked about his job experience as a small business owner and the importance of offering a voice in the state legislature for other business owners. As a homeowner, taxpayer and parent, Wicks said he understands the pressures of daily life.

"Stan would make sure that every voice would be heard," said his campaign manager, Marcus Wicks (no relation).

"Stan will be there for the family when the going gets tough," Marcus Wicks said. "He's lived and breathed it."

If elected, Stan Wicks said he would favor revamping the court system to ensure equal justice for everyone, not just the person who has the better lawyer. He would also like to see prisoners be required to work and tie their parole into job performance.

Prisons have become places with quick releases and create little fear among criminals, Wicks said. "That needs to be changed."

Taxes should be reduced so that families can benefit and both parents wouldn't have to work to support their family. Children need to have parents as good examples and role models, he said.