Four seek Ward 2 Cape City Council seat

The possibility of representing Cape Girardeau's Ward 2 on the city council is drawing interest from several people.

Four are seeking the 50 signatures of ward residents, which are needed to become a candidate. They are Andrew Bard, Rocky Everett, Gelanie Lockhart and Donald Howard. Incumbent Councilwoman Meg Davis will not run in the April election because she is moving out of the ward.

A primary election will happen Feb. 4 if more than two people gather enough signatures to run in Ward 2 or the other offices set to be decided in the April election, which include council seats in Ward 1, Ward 6 and mayor. So far no petitions have been picked up for Ward 1, but Mayor Harry Rediger plans to seek re-election and has a challenger, Walter White. Incumbent Councilman Wayne Bowen is also seeking re-election in Ward 6.

Bard was the only potential candidate for Ward 2 who was reachable by phone by the Southeast Missourian on Wednesday. Bard, 35, has lived in Cape Girardeau for many years and owns Computer 21, a local computer equipment and services retailer. He ran unsuccessfully for city council in Scott City in 2008.

"I think I just want something more constructive to do for the community," Bard said of his intent to run for city council.

A self-described "pretty staunch Libertarian," Bard said if elected he would support the city's efforts to build a new police station, but he would not support any initiative or effort where he feels like government would be intrusive to citizens and businesses. A local ban on smoking in businesses was one example he gave of an issue he said he would oppose.

Bard said he planned to begin collecting signatures in Ward 2 this week.

Bowen is a professor and chairman of the department of history at Southeast Missouri State University, where he also serves as director of university studies. He also writes a column for the Southeast Missourian. He was elected in April to fill the unexpired term of Kathy Swan, who left the post after she was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. Incumbent Councilman John Voss faces term limits in Ward 1 and cannot run again.

Filing for seats in the city of Cape Girardeau closes Nov. 19.

Other communities will open filing periods based on the size and classification of the town or city. A board of alderman seat in each of the city of Jackson's four wards will become available for the April election. Filing for that election opens on Dec. 17, according to clerk Mary Lowry.

Three seats on each local school board will also be included on the April 8 ballot. Filing for local school board seats also begins Dec. 17. A full list of filing dates for 2014 elections can be viewed online at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/calendar/2014cal.asp.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO