Filing snafus lead to odd elections in Cape Co.

~ Write-in candidates win in Gordonville and Delta.

Gordonville voters had to fill in candidates on empty ballots Tuesday in the race for three seats on the Board of Trustees.

"Let's just say there was a snafu," said Sheila Gross, current Board of Trustee chairman. "As chairman I take responsibility."

Gross wouldn't elaborate on why no one had originally filed but said it was a misunderstanding on which of the five Board of Trustees members were up for re-election.

Cape Girardeau County election supervisor Patty Schlosser said in November she sent letters to all government entities reminding them about the elections. She said she lists the filing dates and which offices are up for re-election.

"They got the letter, but for some reason they didn't think there were any positions up for re-election," Schlosser said.

The Cape Girardeau County Clerk's office reported 55 write-in votes for three seats on the board. Each incumbent was re-elected to the three-year positions.

Gross, who was elected to a third term in office, received 15 votes; Mike Freeman, clerk of the board, received 12 votes; and John Dumey, treasurer of the board, received 14 votes.

"Truthfully I'm honored that the citizens of Gordonville would re-elect me," said Gross, who sent a letter to residents explaining the ballot misunderstanding. "I'm sure the other two trustees are just as honored as I am."

Gross said despite Gordonville being a small community, the village has made noticeable progress in the last few years. The Board of Trustees completed a $45,000 repaving street project recently and is seeking a grant to replace existing sidewalks.

Other Gordonville residents receiving votes were: Bill Dalton, one vote; Richard Gross, two votes; Charlie Skelton, one vote; Ed Gerler, one vote; Bill Harshaw, one vote; David Dumey, one vote; Claude Swain, two votes; Alan Bradshaw, one vote; Tim Beussink, one vote; Randy Sneathen, one vote and James Smith, one vote.

No one filed for two Delta Board of Aldermen positions in Ward 1 and Ward 2. The county clerk's office said there was a tie between four write-in candidates, who each received one vote.

Since there is a tie, the current board of aldermen will vote to select the two aldermen.

In Delta's Ward 1, John Foster, Billy Snowden, Jeff Trovillion and Hugh Lesch each received a vote. In Delta's Ward 2, Ross Gartman, Steve McClard, Scott Bond and Jerome Debrock all received a vote.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

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