COUNTY OFFICEHOLDERS FILE

JACKSON -- Filing for county offices opened Tuesday in Cape Girardeau County, and all of the incumbents had their names on the ballot by the close of business.

Larry Bock filed on the Republican ticket to retain his seat as county commissioner in District 1. In District 2, Joe Gambill, also a Republican, filed for re-election.

Gambill and Bock will both be seeking four-year terms. The two are completing two-year terms, which will double with the county's change to first-class status in 1997.

Treasurer Bill Reynolds, a Republican, threw his hat in the ring for another term.

Sheriff John Jordan, also a Republican, will seek his first full term. Jordan was elected a year ago to fill a one-year unexpired term after Norman Copeland retired in office.

Coroner John Carpenter filed for re-election on the Republican ballot.

With the county's change to first-class status, the coroner position could be abolished under existing state law. State Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, is sponsoring a bill that would allow Cape County to retain the coroner's post rather than hiring a medical examiner.

John Ferguson, a Republican, will seek re-election as public administrator.

The sole Democrat to file so far is Assessor Jerry Reynolds, who is seeking another term.

Filing closes March 26. Voters will decide primary races in August, and officeholders will be chosen in the November general election.