GATELEY TO SEEK SECOND COUNCIL TERM IN WARD 5

Melvin Gateley will seek re-election to a second term on the Cape Girardeau City Council.

The 68-year-old councilman filed Monday, making him the first person to file for a council seat since the filing period opened Nov. 8. The filing period ends Dec. 8.

"I am going to keep working for the welfare of Cape," Gateley said.

Gateley, who represents Ward 5, is one of three councilmen whose terms expire in April. The other two are Dr. Melvin Kasten of Ward 4 and Jack Rickard of Ward 3.

Kasten has said he will seek re-election, but hasn't filed yet.

Rickard has yet to decide if he will run for a full, four-year term.

Gateley and Kasten are completing four-year terms. Rickard is finishing an unexpired term.

If more than two candidates file for a ward seat, a primary election will be held Feb. 6. The general election is April 2.

Gateley and Kasten were elected under an at-large system in April 1992. But they will only need support from voters in their own wards to win re-election.

Voters in November 1992 approved a plan to elect councilmen by wards while retaining the at-large system for choosing a mayor.

Gateley, who was the top vote-getter four years ago, said he wants to help the city implement the transportation tax plan approved by voters in August.

He favors leaving it up to voters whether to make eight changes to the city charter.

The council will decide Dec. 4 whether to put any or all of the amendments on the April ballot. A Charter Review Committee has proposed the changes to the city's governing document, including establishment of an ethics commission.

Some councilmen have opposed creation of an ethics commission. But Gateley said, "I think we ought to give an opportunity for people to voice their thoughts on it."

Gateley opposes public housing, but said the city needs to address the need for affordable housing.

"I am anxious for us to look at the budget," said Gateley. He wants the council to look at the city's total spending, including salaries.

Gateley said the council needs to look at improving the salaries of city employees.

Several top city employees have resigned in recent months for better paying jobs, he said.

A retired principal, Gateley is involved in a number of civic activities, including Vision 2000 projects.

"I like people," he said. "I like to resolve problems for people."