DEMOCRATS RECOMMEND CANDIDATES FOR VACANCY

MARBLE HILL -- The Bollinger County Democratic Central Committee has recommended three candidates for county commissioner to fill the vacancy created by last month's death of Associate Commissioner Jerry Woodfin.

The candidates are Robert Gray, a grocer from Grassy, Charles McKee who runs a quick shop at Arab and Junior W. Long of Marble Hill, who works in an auto detailing shop.

McKee and Long are political newcomers. Gray ran for the county commission post several years ago, losing to Woodfin.

Woodfin died on Oct. 10 from bone cancer.

The names of the candidates to fill the vacancy were submitted to Gov. Mel Carnahan's office Wednesday. He or someone from his staff will personally interview the three Democratic candidates. Carnahan then will choose one to fill the unexpired term, which runs through next year.

Murray Dunn, vice chairman of the central committee, said he expects the governor to act within the next few weeks.

Nine Bollinger County residents expressed interest in the job. The seven-member committee reviewed resumes and interviewed the nine individuals before selecting the three finalists Tuesday night.

All three pledged to run for the county commissioner post in the 2000 election if appointed to fill the unexpired term, Dunn said.