CAPE GIRADEAN KENNETH BRYAN TO RUN FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

Ken Bryan says Cape Girardeau County needs a "compassionate" public administrator. He thinks he's the right man for the job.

The Cape Girardeau man is the second Republican to announce his candidacy. Phyllis Schwab of Jackson also plans to file for the post. Public Administrator John Ferguson has announced he won't seek re-election.

Bryan said Tuesday that he decided to run for office because he has witnessed first hand the need for a concerned public administrator.

Bryan's wife, Diane, works for VIP Industries. The public administrator handles the financial affairs for some of the mentally disabled clients who work at the sheltered workshop.

"Most people don't realize that there are approximately 100 people under the guardianship of the public administrator in Cape County," he said. "Many of these people are found to be incompetent and have no one else to handle their affairs.

"They are incapacitated and need continual care," said Bryan.

The public administrator also handles the financial affairs of minors who need a conservator and the estates of those in the county who die and have no surviving relatives.

"Even though few people know what the public administrator does, it is a big job and needs a compassionate person that can manage their affairs in a fair and trustworthy manner," he said.

Bryan said the public administrator does more than look after financial affairs. He also looks after clients' personal needs. "Do they live in a clean, decent atmosphere? Do they have enough to eat and clothes to wear? Do they have a doctor to care for them when they need one?

"The simple everyday needs that you and I expect in our lives need to be looked after and followed up on in their lives," he said.

Bryan said he decided to run last year and initially announced his candidacy at U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's political picnic in August.

Bryan was born and raised in Willow Springs. He has lived in Cape Girardeau for the past 33 years. His wife grew up in Cape Gire Southeast Missouri State University Booster Club.

He belonged to the Cape Girardeau Lions Club, holding several offices and having perfect attendance for 12 years.

He owned and operated PrinIt Press, a commercial printing company for 17 years. He currently works as an account executive with Concord Printing.

Bryan said he could handle duties of public administrator while continuing to work at Concord Printing.