Former Jackson educator withdraws from public administrator race

With less than two weeks until the filing period ends, Jackson resident Larry Shoaf has dropped his bid for Cape Girardeau County public administrator, saying there are other candidates better qualified to do the job.

That narrows the field to 11 who hope to replace Phyllis Schwab and provide care for the county's roughly 150 residents who have, for various reasons, been deemed unable to care for themselves.

Those still in the running include Democrat Mary Cotner and Republicans Mary Ann Friese, Helen Jackson, Kim Kelley, Julie Metzger, Linda Nash, Janet Niedbalski, Lisa Reitzel, Scott Schnurbusch, Tammy Sladek and Debra Tracy.

"I should have thought twice," Shoaf said. "We've got a couple in there that are super qualified candidates. It'd be like running up hill. I'd rather back off and vote for one of the good candidates."

Shoaf said, in his opinion, Metzger and her 25 years in social work or Reitzel, a former student of his, would be good public administrators.

Shoaf is retired from a field centered on education, having worked in elementary education as an administrator and as a teacher. He's worked as a principal at schools in Bollinger and Stoddard counties and as a teacher in Delta and Scott County schools.

The last day to file is March 27. Filing for Cape Girardeau County positions happens at the county clerk's office in Jackson.

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO