EIGHT CANDIDATES FILE FOR COUNTY OFFICES

JACKSON -- Harold G. Cobb wants his old part-time job back. He filed Tuesday for coroner in Cape Girardeau County.

"There was never a doubt that I would file," said Cobb, a Democrat who lost to John Carpenter during the 1988 election. "I knew the day that I lost the coroner's position three years ago that I would be on the 1992 ballot."

Cobb, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 1979, served almost 10 years as coroner. He won elections in 1980 and 1984 before losing by 180 votes in 1988.

Cobb is one of eight candidates who filed for county office Tuesday, the first day to file in Cape Girardeau County.

Six of the eight candidates were incumbents Coroner John E. Carpenter, Republican; Assessor Jerry L. Reynolds, Democrat; Treasurer Bill J. Reynolds, Republican; Sheriff Norman Copeland, Republican; 1st District Commissioner Leonard F. Sander, Republican; and 2nd District Commissioner E. C. Younghouse, Republican.

Also filing was George R. Cox, Democrat, of Chaffee Route 2, for 1st District commissioner.

Cobb, who has degrees in general studies and criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University, works with the university's Public Safety Department. He's also a licensed funeral director.

"I work with Ford and Sons Funeral Home part time," said Cobb.

Carpenter, vice president and general manager of Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel, said he would like to "continue working for the people of Cape Girardeau County.

"I have enjoyed my first term," he added. "It has been challenging and exciting working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the medical people here, and the prosecuting attorney. I have made some changes in the office which I feel have been beneficial."

Cox will challenge Sander, who is in his 16th year as 1st District associate commissioner.

Cox, 40, is a lifelong resident of Southeast Missouri and is manager of Fruitland Livestock. He said he chose to run for the commissioner's seat because "it's time for a change."

"I've lived in the county all my life and know the roads and what needs to be done to improve them," he said, adding that he's farmed most of his life also. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Sander is a lifelong resident of the Jackson area with more than 30 years business experience in that community. He oversees the county's highway department, which maintains more than 600 miles of roads and several hundred bridges.

"In seeking re-election, I plan to continue to serve as commissioner on a full-time basis with no outside business interests," said Sander. "I also plan to continue our aggressive bridge repair and replacement program."

Sander's district includes Jackson, the out-county area, and Ward 17 in the city of Cape Girardeau.

Younghouse's 1st District includes all of Cape Girardeau except the city's Ward 17.

He was appointed in 1988 to fill out the remaining year of the term of Democrat J. Ronald Fischer, who resigned to become city manager of Cape Girardeau. Younghouse was elected to full terms in 1988 and 1990.

"We have tried to run a tight ship over the years," said Younghouse. "We plan to continue with the same responsibility."

Younghouse, who takes care of county buildings and parks, also oversees the computer programs.

Copeland only recently announced his intentions to seek re-election.

He assumed the duties of sheriff in March 1986 amid controversy following the resignation of Republican Dwight Thomas. Thomas took office in 1985, but resigned following criticism he received over his handling of the investigation of an accident that involved his chief deputy.

The county commission appointed Copeland to fill the vacancy created by Thomas' departure. In November 1986 he won the remaining two years of the term, and in 1988 he was elected to a full four-year term.

"I have enjoyed most of my work here. I think we've made an impact on the public as to our credibility, which we didn't have when we started," said Copeland.

"I think we have shown an ability, desire, and proper training to carry out the functions of this office and are manned with excellent personnel. We are making inroads on crime in Cape Girardeau County, though that is not to say there isn't any."

Assessor Jerry Reynolds is the only Democrat up for re-election in 1992. He first was elected in 1976.

"I think we have an assessor office that is top quality," said Reynolds. "I think we're doing a good job for the taxpayers in an economical way."

Reynolds is past president of the Missouri Assessors Association.

Treasurer Bill Reynolds filed for his fourth term Tuesday. He has been county treasurer for 12 years and is president of the Missouri County Treasurers Association.

"I feel I've done a good job and I enjoy my work," the treasurer said, adding that the working relationship among county officials now is a good one.

"The key to everything is working together," he said. "We've got a good sound county government, and our relationship with the banks in the area have been outstanding."