CANDIDATES FOR THREE CAPE CITY COUNCIL SEATS GEARING UP FOR APRIL 4 ELECTION

They aren't planning campaign stops and press conferences like the presidential hopefuls, but the five candidates for Cape Girardeau City Council are gearing up for an election all the same.

Voters will select three men to serve on the council when they head to the polls April 4. A candidate forum is planned for 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Dempster Building on the Southeast State University campus. School board candidates will speak at 7 o'clock.

The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Southeast Missouri and the mass communications and political sciences departments at the university.

Only two of the three wards have contested races. Jay Purcell is the only incumbent candidate running for council office.

Purcell represents Ward 3 and is seeking another four-year term. He was first elected in 1998 to fill an unexpired term.

Purcell wants to make sure he builds trust between city residents and the council.

"We need to continue to build accountability in government," he said.

People should know that when the council says it will do a particular project, it will follow through to get the work done, Purcell said. "There is a lack of trust sometimes, and if we build that trust, it will be easier to get things done" in the city, he said.

Although he's running unopposed, Purcell has done some basic introductions and door-to-door campaigning.

He also is seeking election to the Missouri House of Representatives and would resign his council seat if elected to statewide office.

"It's fun to go out and meet people," he said, "and if you do get elected, then you have an understanding of what people want."

In Wards 4 and 5, Councilman Dr. Melvin Kasten and Melvin Gateley could not file for re-election because of term limitations. Both men were elected to the council in 1992 and 1996, thus serving the maximum of two consecutive terms.

Both wards have contested races for the upcoming election.

Neither Ward 4 candidate Ken Lipps or Hugh White have spent much time knocking on doors campaigning. Both have been preoccupied with work commitments but plan to begin in earnest within the coming weeks.

Lipps will bring an openness to the council. It is a shame people are skeptical of the government, he said. Scandals and political maneuverings have "hurt the veracity of government at all levels."

He wants to take part in city projects and programs that not only benefit Ward 4, but the entire city.

He supports efforts like community policing and the Community Pride Coalition.

"I not only represent Ward 4, but I view my position on the council as one that takes a look at what can help the entire city," he said. "If it benefits the town, then it benefits Ward 4."

White sees many positive things happening in Cape Girardeau and in the council.

There isn't one particular issue he's "really fired up" about but is aware of the work to continue the Transportation Trust Fund projects and sewer improvements.

White plans to focus on the talents and knowledge he brings to the council as a former member. He served from 1988 to 1992 and continues to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Not only does he have a "dimension of past experience but perhaps a fresh look since I've been away for eight years," he said.

He would like to follow up on some issues that have been addressed by the planning commission; street lighting is one of those areas.

White and Lipps both said they aren't seeking office because of the financial rewards. Council members receive a $100 monthly stipend.

The work was "something I missed when I was away," White said.

Lipps wants to take an active role in a community that's been his home for many years.

Ward 5 candidates aren't out knocking on doors or posting yard signs either.

Matt Hopkins said he hasn't begun campaigning in earnest but has taped an interview on "Chamber Matters," a program aired on Cable Access Channel 5.

Each candidate was asked to appear on the program. The candidate interviews are airing throughout the month.

Hopkins said he hasn't heard any negative complaints about the council, so that must mean some things are working right.

He wants to bring his "experience and concern" to the council to "make sure the progress continues" in the city, Hopkins said.

With road construction and sewer projects under way, people can see tangible results of the city at work, he said.

That work needs to continue, he said. The street improvements have helped traffic flow and the city overall. New businesses look at the infrastructure, and Cape Girardeau needs to do more to attract new industry.

Lawrence Godfrey plans to conduct his campaign with door-to-door efforts and telephone calls to residents in the ward. It's been fairly easy to meet people, he said.

Godfrey didn't comment when asked about issues and concerns from residents or problems facing the city. He also declined an interview with the Chamber of Commerce for the "Chamber Matters" program. He plans to attend the candidate forum Tuesday.

CANDIDATES FOR CAPE GIRARDEAU CITY COUNCIL

WARD 3

Jay Purcell Incumbent

Family: Wife, Kelly, and three children.

Occupation: Works at Dana Corp. Also owns a coin laundry and 32 apartments.

Education: Served in the U.S. Navy in 1985-86.

Previous experience: Ran for council election in 1996 but was defeated. Elected to fill two-year unexpired term in 1998.

WARD 4

Ken Lipps

Family: Wife, Jennifer, and four adult children.

Occupation: Director of volunteer services, public relations and fund raising at Missouri Veterans Home.

Education: Graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

Previous experience: Elected to three-year term on council from 1969-1972.

Hugh White

Family: Wife, Flora, and two children.

Occupation: Employed at Supervalu Inc. in Scott City.

Education: Graduate of Southeast Missouri State University; also completed some graduate-level courses.

Previous experience: Served on city council from 1988 to 1992. Currently is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

WARD 5

Lawrence Godfrey

Family: Wife, Linda, and two daughters.

Occupation: Works at Horizon Screen Printing.

Education: 1969 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

Previous experience: Ran for council three previous times and helped initiate a petition drive to change the city's charter and create a ward system.

Matt Hopkins

Family: Wife, Barbara, and two children.

Occupation: Stay-at-home dad. Former executive director of March of Dimes.

Education: Graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

Previous experience: Ran for County Collector in 1998 but was defeated.