FRED WILKINSON ANNOUNCES COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDACY

Fred Wilkinson says he "senses a lot of dissatisfied people out there," and for that reason has decided to run for the 1st District seat on the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

A lifelong resident of the county, Wilkinson has operated an auto body business for 32 years and has also farmed near Millersville for the last 22 years.

"During this time I have worked for and with the citizens of the county from both parties and tried to treat everyone equal," said Wilkinson. "I know there is good in both parties and it would be a pleasure to work with the people of the county and the other two commissioners to carry out the support of the county."

Wilkinson, who is making his first bid for public office, said Tuesday: "I just thought we needed some help in the county. I received some encouragement to run, so I will file next week."

The first day candidates can file for offices on the 1994 ballot is Tuesday. Wilkinson intends to run as a Republican, and will challenge one-term incumbent Larry Bock in the GOP primary in August.

Bock has announced his intentions to run again. So far no Democrats have announced for the post. The 1st District includes the city of Jackson, the outcounty, and Ward 17 in the city of Cape Girardeau.

Wilkinson said the primary responsibilities of the commissioner from his district is to maintain county roads and bridges.

"I feel we should continue the program of oiling the roads as promised, and continue with plans to improve other county roads as time and funds permit," said Wilkinson. "We should try to restore better working conditions of the road employees to ensure good cooperation between each and every one. I also feel we could better maintain the rock roads since we have the equipment and manpower to do so."

As an associate commissioner, Wilkinson said: "I would encourage more citizen involvement in our county government to enable citizens to better understand how their tax dollars are spent. Also, the towns and cities of the county could work closer together in ways to better use all the resources available to cut expenses."

Wilkinson said he also believes that the two associate commissioners need to work more closely together in evaluating road and bridge problems so that needs can be evaluated properly and long-range plans developed.

"A long-range planning program is a must, and I am strongly in favor of this," he said. "But we must also solve today's problems as well."

Wilkinson said he wants the county to hire a qualified mechanic to make repairs on highway department equipment. Such a step should save the county money in the long run by reduced repair bills, reduced paperwork, and less downtime waiting on others to repair equipment.

If elected, Wilkinson promised to work with the other commissioners and county officials to do a good job for citizens.

"I would do my best to fulfill the duties of the commissioner of the 1st District and restore our county roads," he said.