FOUR COMPETE FOR STODDARD POSTS

BLOOMFIELD -- In the 10 years Democrat Shirley Carney has been Stoddard County's treasurer, she's never faced an opponent within her own party at the primary.

Until this year.

Before Carney can even think about taking on Republican Cissy Williams, she has to best, not one, but two Democratic candidates in Tuesday's primary.

Fellow Democrats Ryan Mayo of Bloomfield and Jim Bland of Dexter are also vying for Stoddard County treasurer.

"It's just another one of those deals," Carney said. "All you can do is just do your best and hope the people feel you're worth coming back."

Carney said she knows her job, which requires her to take care of Stoddard County's finances. Her duties also entail collecting taxes from the seven townships.

"I really enjoy my job," she said. "There's something new every day."

Carney is a 1962 graduate of Dexter High School. She served six years as Liberty Township collector. She has 34 years of bookkeeping experience and several years of savings and loan and banking experience. She is a member of the Women's Democrat Club, Genealogy Society and Stoddard County Historical Society.

Democrat Jim Bland said that the treasurer's position is an important one that he can enhance.

"I consider it to be the most important job in the county," Bland said. "I think the citizens of Stoddard County expect their treasurer/collector to keep an accurate account of their funds.

"I want to do my best to maintain the trust and confidence of the people of Stoddard County and never lose sight of the fact that I would be elected to serve them."

Bland is a 1964 graduate of Dexter High School and he graduated in 1969 from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in education. He served as a Green Beret officer in the Army and now he is a longtime member of the Missouri National Guard.

Democrat Ryan Mayo is also running for Stoddard County treasurer. He thinks the job of treasurer/collector is of utmost importance.

"Our county functions on the taxes, licenses and fees collected and properly reported," he said. "An accurate record of receipts and disbursements is crucial to the advancement of our county."

He said as treasurer, he will be accessible, courteous and competent.

"With my education, experience and training, I feel I am most qualified for the job," he said.

Mayo is a farmer with a degree in accounting and finance from Southeast Missouri State University. He worked for an accountant's firm for more than two years.

As the lone Republican candidate for the post, Williams can sit back until November. But she wants to get the word out early that voters do have an option.

She realizes that Stoddard is known for principally voting Democratic, but she thinks it's time for a Republican in office Stoddard County.

"We need a Republican voice in Stoddard County," she said. "Integrity and character are very important. Whatever job I have, I will take that with me."

Williams served for 13 years as administrator for the Dexter Senior Center, much of which involved financial management and program enhancement. She was instrumental in beginning the first countywide Meals-On-Wheels program. She's been in management for 17 years.

"I know Stoddard County really well," she said, adding that she was born and raised in Bell City.

She said that Stoddard County doesn't have a strong two-party system and that negates a free flow of ideas.

"I may not win, but I'm going to give it 110 percent," she said.