CAPE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS WIN RACES

The makeup of the Cape Girardeau City Council won't change as voters Tuesday re-elected councilmen Melvin Gateley, Jack Rickard and Melvin Kasten.

Gateley won re-election to a second, four-year term in Ward 5, defeating challenger Lawrence Godfrey, 427 to 137.

It was the second defeat for Godfrey, who lost an at-large council race four years ago.

Rickard defeated first-time candidate Jay Purcell in Ward 3, 334 to 176, to win a four-year term.

Rickard was elected two years ago to fill an unexpired term.

Kasten was unopposed for re-election to a second, four-year term in Ward 4.

"The people of Cape Girardeau made me and my family very happy," Gateley said after watching the election returns roll in at the county election office in Jackson.

There were no hot issues in any of the council races. "We never had an occasion to have a debate," Gateley said.

Rickard spent Tuesday evening at home, as he did previously in the primary.

"I am glad it turned out that way," Rickard said of his re-election.

Rickard said it takes some time for any new councilman to learn the ropes. His first two years have been a learning experience.

"I think I have been there long enough to know a little bit about what is going on," said Rickard.

"Right now, I am pleased with what is going on in city government," said Rickard, who earlier last fall wasn't sure if he would run again.

"I am very pleased with the new city manager and this street improvement program," he said.