Commission candidates discuss charter government

If the commissioners are the pilots of the county, then Cape Girardeau County may soon fly charter.

The idea of a charter form of government was introduced at a District 2 candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Tuesday night, and several of the candidates, once they understood the question, said the formation of a new type of government is at least something to consider.

Currently, the county is run by three commissioners, all of whom are paid in excess of $50,000. They not only have the legislative duty to pass policy and some ordinances, but they also have the day-to-day business operations to tend to as well.

A charter form of government would have to be approved by voters, and a charter would allow the residents to form a government. Most first-class counties, including Cape Girardeau, are able to go first class. Most charter governments, like St. Louis County, are run like city councils with an elected body and a county administrator.

The question referred to a "home rule" government, which is basically the same thing as a charter form of government.

"I'd love to see the county become a charter county," said Bill Reynolds, who is running for commissioner after serving 24 years as county treasurer. "I'd like to see the citizens have the option of what kind of government they want to have."

Candidate Bill Stanfield said charter governments have pluses and minuses, but the issue needs to be studied closely before being introduced to voters.

The subject of a charter government was a testament to the overall feeling and innuendoes which filled Dempster Hall's Glenn Auditorium at Southeast Missouri State University in an event attended by an audience of 60. The number of candidates who have filed this year -- 20 in all, 10 for each of the two districts up for election in the Aug. 3 primary -- suggests there is some dissatisfaction about the way county government is being conducted.

Several references were made about making the position full time, even though the current commissioners say evening meetings make up for the time they're not in the office.

Barry Hovis, a sergeant on unpaid leave from the Cape Girardeau Police Department, said he talked with the commissioners who declared that the position is full time, but he also talked with county employees who voiced frustration that they can only reach the commissioners on Monday and Thursday mornings when the commissioners have their set meetings.

All of the candidates addressed how their current business situations would allow them to put in full-time hours. Only Kathy Swan cited a problem with holding specific office hours. She said the state's open-meetings law prohibits two of the commissioners to talk business without posting a meeting notice, so it would be difficult to hold office hours.

Much time was spent discussing qualifications.

Walter White, a businessman, said his people skills as a minister and experience as a small-business owner -- he owns a small market in south Cape Girardeau -- make him a good candidate. However, he seemed confused about the power the commission holds, talking briefly about raising fire department and police salaries in the city of Cape Girardeau.

Bill Stanfield, a retired Air Force veteran, emphasized his business experience as a banker and his ability to understand finance. He started eight businesses, which are still operating today, he said.

Like White and Stanfield, Swan spoke of her experience in business, which she said began when she was 9 years old, answering telephones at the family's communication business. Swan is a former member of the school board and has been heavily involved in promoting small-business interests.

Dennis "Doc" Cain owns Port Cape restaurant and has served on several local government boards and organizations.

Jay Purcell, like Swan and Cain, has business and government experience. The Cape Girardeau city councilman said he was instrumental in cutting $600,000 from the city's budget last year and was the only councilman to vote down the last two unbalanced budgets. He works at Dana Corp. also manages other businesses, including some rental properties.

Reynolds spoke frequently of how his role as treasurer gives him insight.

Dan Niswonger, a disabled police officer who served 19 years, cut a couple of jokes, including one at his own expense, and said there needs to be a friendly face in the commission seat. He said he believes the current commission has been too confrontational in many instances.

Hovis said his years as an officer have proven that he's a fair and just individual. He said he's been involved in the city's budget process and would give the commission some balance considering more than 40 percent of the overall budget goes to the sheriff's department.

Clay Waller was the only candidate in the Republican race who didn't attend.

Another forum will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Dempster Hall. District 1 commissioner candidates and candidates for other Cape Girardeau County offices will speak.

bmiller@semissourian.com

243-6635