Ex-auditor will run for Cape County commission

Weldon Macke moved from the fence to the field this week, announcing he is definitely seeking a return to county government as the District 1 commissioner for Cape Girardeau County.

Macke, a former county auditor, had been considering the contest for the seat being vacated by 15-year commission veteran Larry Bock, citing financial concerns as the source of his reluctance. On Wednesday, Macke said he had worked out the financial issues and would seek the office, which has already attracted three candidates with another considering the race.

"I am going to do it," Macke said. "The income worked out pretty good, then the doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said I was in about as good a shape as I have ever been in my life."

Macke, of Gordonville, was county auditor for 34 years before his retirement in 2002. A Republican, Macke will face off against Bill Hahs of Jackson, owner of Semo Ag and Dairy; Paul Koeper of Jackson, vice president of Penzel Construction Co.; and Rick Aufdenberg, a farmer from Tilsit. Ken Evans, who is self-employed after 29 years at Procter & Gamble, is also considering the race.

All five announced candidates are Republicans. The District 1 commission seat includes most of Cape Girardeau County outside the city limits of Cape Girardeau.

Filing for county offices opens Feb. 26. Along with Bock's seat, the offices of District 2 commissioner, county treasurer, county coroner, public administrator, assessor and sheriff are on the 2008 ballot.

Incumbent Commissioner Jay Purcell, a Republican, said he is planning to seek re-election, as are Republican Treasurer Roger Hudson, Republican Sheriff John Jordan, Republican coroner John Clifton and Democrat Assessor Jerry Reynolds. Public Administrator Phyllis Schwab, a Republican, could not be reached for comment on her plans.

No Democrats or Libertarians other than Reynolds have announced plans to seek an office.

Commissioners make $61,162 this year, a salary that will increase to $63,373 on Jan. 1 and $67,660 on Jan. 1, 2009, if the county budget includes average pay raises of at least 3.5 percent each year for county employees.

"It is a good job, and I am blessed to have it," Purcell said. "I wouldn't blame anyone for running for it."

Macke said he will cite his experience in county government, as well as extensive experience as a businessman and on the boards of government and quasigovernmental agencies in his campaign.

"I have experience and knowledge of the county," he said. "I know probably every pig path in the county."

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126