E.C. YOUNGHOUSE WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION AS COMMISSIONER

Second District Cape County Associate Commissioner E.C. Younghouse has decided not to seek re-election to another two-year term this year.

Younghouse said he looked forward to a busy final year as a member of the county commission, but wanted to have some time to do other things.

"At this point I don't plan to run," said Younghouse. "I would like to do some other things in life and have more free time. There is no particular problem, it's just the idea that I'm 66 years old and it's time to start slowing down a little bit, both at Younghouse Distributing Co. and at the county."

Younghouse said he gave serious thought to seeking another term, but, "I just decided to quit while I'm ahead."

Younghouse, a Republican, became associate commissioner in February 1987 when longtime Commissioner Ronnie Fischer resigned to become city manager of Cape Girardeau. Younghouse was appointed to the vacancy by former Gov. John Ashcroft and re-elected in 1988, 1990 and 1992.

The 2nd district includes all of the city of Cape Girardeau except for Ward 17.

"I have a lot of plans to finish this year, with projects at the courthouses and the county park," said Younghouse. "I'm anxious to keep up with everything."