Councilwoman Shelly Moore, rival candidate Scott Johnson seek improvements for Ward 2 neighborhood

Cape Girardeau Ward 2 Councilwoman Shelly Moore considers herself an �advocate for change� in her south-side neighborhood. Pastor Scott Johnson believes he could do a better job.

Scott Johnson

The two residents are battling for votes in the only contested Cape Girardeau City Council race on the April 3 ballot.

Both candidates said they support the parks and stormwater tax extension measure on the ballot. If approved, the measure would continue funding for parks and stormwater improvements.

Johnson said the sales tax is needed to address stormwater flooding in parts of the city.

Moore said the city has both stormwater and parks projects that need to be funded.

�Parks are the life of the city,� she said in an email to the Southeast Missourian. �Parks reflect how the city cares for the citizens,� she said, adding all Cape Girardeau residents should enjoy the same amenities regardless of where they live in the city.

�That is why I have advocated for permanent restrooms, shelters, fountains and improved play equipment for our children in every park in the city,� Moore said.

Moore said she has �the best interest of the people at heart.� She added, �I have the knowledge, the understanding and the experience to continue moving Ward 2 forward as the city continues to change.�

Johnson, who pastors Soulful Harvest Ministries at 624 Good Hope St., said in an email he wants to �unify this ward and the city as a whole.�

Johnson said he wants to bring �hope and change to the oppressed, hopeless, struggling, and those that are prospering and just simply lack understanding on how to assist in making an effective community change.�

He added he has the �experience� as a lifelong Cape Girardeau resident to �communicate with and meet the appropriate needs of the people.�

The south part of the city has long been burdened with poverty and crime, issues both candidates want to address.

Moore said major issues facing city government include �balancing economic development throughout the city, reducing crime, improving schools, housing the homeless.�

Johnson said the major issues facing the city include murders and other violent crimes, division among community leaders and organizations, and �no solid place of gathering for our youth to go in their spare time for healthy, social and recreational release.�

Moore, who was elected to the council in 2014 and is seeking her second term, said she wants �to build on the economic development and infrastructure momentum that has begun in Ward 2.�

Moore, the first black woman elected to the council, said, �For too long, Ward 2 has been viewed as a dead zone without a voice. However, those who have lived in Ward 2 know that there has always been a steady heartbeat.�

She said that over the past four years, she has witnessed �a heightened interest in community issues and increased activism� from Ward 2 residents.

�Residents are energized and ready for whatever is next. My priority is to continue building on this momentum,� she said.

Johnson said he has the communication skills to bring people together to address community needs. Johnson said, if elected, he wants to bring people together as �neighbors.�

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.