ELECTION '94: JUDEN, STOVAL PUSH EXPEREINCE IN COMMISSIONER RACE

The two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for 2nd district associate commissioner, agree that Cape Girardeau County is moving forward on the right track and is in sound financial condition. Both contend they have the unique qualifications to help the county stay that way.

"The city of Cape and the county have been awfully good to me in the past and I want to try to maintain the fiscal stability of the county as it has been the past 10 years," said Max Stovall. "I think I am well qualified to do that with my past experience."

Challenger C.A. "Andy" Juden, Jr. said he decided to file once the seat became vacant with the retirement of E.C. Younghouse. "I feel that I am well qualified," said Juden. "I have spent nine years on the board of Cape Special Road District and have been with the levee district board for many years. Though neither job is political, both are associated with county government."

Both Juden and Stovall are lifelong residents of Cape Girardeau. Juden, whose great grandfather was Louis Houck, one of the region's pioneers, has worked in commercial real estate, farm management and construction. He currently works as a sales representative for Johnson Communications Services, Inc.

Stovall, who is retired, worked 46 years as a contractor with Max Stovall Construction Co. and worked 15 years with Stovall Block and Brick Co. He was also part owner of Stovall and Williams Development Co., which completed 10 subdivisions in the county between 1956 and 1980.

Traditionally, the 2nd district commissioner has overseen county parks and buildings for the commission.

Both point out they have experience in those areas, as well as other areas that will make them effective members of the county's governing body.

"I really find nothing wrong with the way county government has been run and feel it should be continued along the lines it has been," said Juden. "One factor coming into play is we will soon become a 1st class county and that will change the way a lot of things are done."

Juden said he will be "open minded" about changes, but careful not to do anything that jeopardizes the sound financial condition the county is in.

Stovall is stressing fiscal responsibility and experience as he seeks support from Democratic voters. "I think I am highly qualified for the position because my construction and engineering experience are excellent for overseeing the county buildings and parks," he observed.

"I am not wanting to make any major changes, but I am always for things that are best for the county and the citizens I want to represent. I feel like the county is in good shape."

To keep Cape County fiscally sound, Stovall would approach all spending conservatively. "I consider myself to be a conservative Democrat, but will support doing what is necessary to keep everything in tip top shape," said Stovall.

Juden said he wants to keep the county's reserve funds of nearly $4 million intact, to be ready for any emergency that might arise. "We have to control the county's spending and be careful not to invade the reserves set aside by the previous commission," Juden said.

Juden believes his 32 years experience on the board of the Main Street levee district and 25 years as its president, and nine years with the Cape Special Road district, including seven years as president, sets him apart from other candidates.

"I think many of the candidates are qualified, but my experiences with the levee district and road district have had me dealing with local, state and federal officials," said Juden.

Stovall said his vast experience and background is different from the other candidates. He also served four years, from 1956-60, as public works commissioner for the city of Cape, "which gave me some insight on what it is like to be in a position like this."

Both said they would be willing to take another look at a proposed recreational lake of about 7,000 acres in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger Counties, if there is support from citizens to re-consider the project.

"If the people want to take a look at the lake that is fine," said Juden. "But with any joint venture between two counties we have to be careful one county doesn't end up carrying the load. But I have no problems looking at it."

Said Stovall, "I'm always open minded to take a look at anything that comes up in the future. But I would have to give it some serious study in order to make a good judgment on it."

A veteran of the D-Day invasion, Stovall is past commander of the American Legion, past president of the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club, and has served 16 years on the board of trustees at Southeast Hospital, including 10 years as building chairman. He has been active with the Red Cross, is a longtime member of the First Church of the Nazarene, and a former Democratic county committeeman. He presently serves as president of the Cape Girardeau Senior Center board.

He and his wife, the former Evelyn Pletcher, have two children: Mark, a salesman for Delta Concrete, and Nancy Ross, who works at Clippard School. They have three grandchildren.

Juden has been active in several community activities, such as the United Way and American Cancer Society. He and his wife, the former Jeanette Hosea, have two sons.

The winner between Juden and Stovall will face one of three candidates running in the Republican primary: John Ferguson, Joe Gambill, and Dave Patterson. A third Democrat, Doug Richards, filed for the seat but later withdrew.

"The main thing I am interested in for Cape County is improving the quality of life for citizens in the whole county," summed up Stovall.

"I have the time and the desire to serve the county," Juden added.