FRUITLAND MAN FILES FOR COUNTY COLLECTOR

A Fruitland businessman has filed for Cape Girardeau County collector.

Chris Johnston, a Republican, entered the race Tuesday as filings for county offices opened.

"I feel that with my 13 years of business experience I can provide the county collector's office with efficiency and profitability," Johnston said. "The county is growing; therefore, the collector's office needs the best customer service, business and money management, record keeping, and the most effective money collections."

Johnston said using direct mailing is a possibility. "The time that would be saved would be tremendous, and tax dollars would be very well spent for the procedure," he said. "The best-qualified staff is a must to get the job done effectively and accurately."

Johnston owns and operates Frontier Food Mart and Kitchen in Fruitland. He has been a business owner and operator since he was 18. He opened Bloomin' Balloons and Flowers in Cape Girardeau and Dalton Florists in Jackson. He also managed Steak-N-Shake in Cape Girardeau for Druco Restaurants.

"I feel that with my past and present business etiquette and experience, I can provide the county with the necessary collections process that the retiring collector has provided while incorporating and providing a more efficient, effective and profitable county office."

Johnston is a board member of the Fruitland Fire Department, vice chairman of the Cape Girardeau County Waste Water District and a member of the Jackson Rotary. He is also a member of the Oak Ridge PTO and the Oak Ridge Community Neighborhood Watch program. Recently he was selected into the National Directory of Who's Who in Executives and Professionals.

He and his wife, Julie, are members of the New Bethal Baptist Church. They have three children and reside in Fruitland.