COUNTY VOTERS FACE TOUGH ZONING ISSUE

JACKSON - Cape Girardeau County voters will be considering choices for six county offices next week, but the choice drawing the most attention is whether planning and zoning should be continued.

In 1972, county voters narrowly approved an issue that got planning started in the county. Two years ago, as part of that progression, the planning commission began drafting a zoning ordinance for the county commission to implement.

However, a group of citizens last spring who opposed the zoning plan, circulated a petition to place the matter before voters in the general election.

Proponents of the plan said it is essential to orderly development and future growth of the county, and contend if it is voted out all that has been done so far in planning will soon go to waste. But opponents - many of whom acknowledge there is a need for some planning and zoning - contend the proposed zoning ordinance is too strict and unfairly limits the right of property owners to do that they want with their land.

The county commission has already approved a zoning ordinance to take effect Jan. 1, unless voters defeat the issue Nov. 3.

Cape County voters will be considering two county commission seats this year. First District Associate Commissioner Leonard Sander was defeated in the Republican primary by Larry Bock of Gordonville. Bock will face Democrat George Cox of Delta in the general election.

In the second district, Republican E.C. Younghouse is facing a challenge from Democrat Lanny Smith. The second district includes all of the city of Cape except for Ward 17.

Coroner John Carpenter, who ousted Democrat Harold Cobb four years ago, is now being challenged by Cobb in a re-match of 1988. John Ferguson, who ousted a Democratic incumbent four years ago for public administrator, faces a challenge this year from Mitch Herod.

County Treasurer Bill Reynolds, seeking a fourth four-year term, is opposed by Democrat Orval Thorne, who owns the Sands Pancake House.

Voters in the 32nd judicial circuit of Cape, Bollinger and Perry Counties will be electing a new Division I judge to serve out the remaining four years of the term of Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. Limbaugh was appointed to the Supreme Court in August by Gov. John Ashcroft. Republican Bill Syler, who was appointed by the governor to serve the remainder of this year, is challenged by Democrat Pete Statler.

Running without opposition this year are Democratic Assessor Jerry Reynolds, Republican Sheriff Norman Copeland, Republican Surveyor Carlston Friese, and Cape County Republican State Representatives Mary Kasten and David Schwab.