GOP hopefuls take turn at Cape church

A week after Democratic candidates spoke at a Cape Girardeau church, four Republican took their turns addressing the congregation.

Rhema Word International Breakthrough Ministries heard Doc Cain, Barry Hovis, Dan Niswonger and Walter White, District 2 candidates for county commissioner.

Dr. A.G. Green, pastor and founder of the church, invited the Republican speakers to balance the Democratic candidates who spoke July 25.

Green said he exposed church members to political issues because people in churches and minorities are less driven to inform themselves about those issues.

"At least when they go into the ballot box, they will have had an encounter with the candidates and know them by name," said Green, who does not consider himself to be for one party over the other.

Hovis kept his address brief, admitting that it was his first time speaking to a church. Touching on a couple issues, he included improving commerce and trade and resolving the building code dispute between Jackson and Cape Girardeau County.

"Other than that, I'll be working full-time for the office," Hovis said. He currently is sergeant for the Cape Girardeau Police Department and supervisor of the school resource department.

Sakia Green, 23, of Cape Girardeau has heard candidates speak both Sundays. While she was impressed that Hovis brought his wife and two children and stayed the entire service, she said she is considering voting for Niswonger.

"As a person, he seemed to have his head on straight," she said. "He seems to appreciate human life now and the concerns that people have in life."

Niswonger lightheartedly described aspects of his life, including his approach to it after losing a leg in an accident. When he touched on political issues, he simultaneously supported Hovis.

"You guys have a difficult decision, because I feel we have the two best people here today," Niswonger said, adding that if people do not vote for him, they should vote for Hovis.

White said that he would like to push Cape Girardeau to improving conditions on the south side of town. He proposed bringing in work plants and a steel mill, which would increase jobs.

"We got enough banks, we got enough restaurants," White said. "We need jobs now."

Cain, owner of Port Cape restaurant, said that his job and involvement in the community opened his eyes to the communication problems between the commissioner and the people and between the commissioner and the county. So he has made it his mission to continue to strive for economic progress, to enforce accountability to taxpayers and to strive for the best.

"I think if I can accomplish those things right there, then I think everyone will be happy," Cain said after his address.

In the primary elections Tuesday, the four candidates are running against James "Clay" Waller, Bill M. Stanfield, Jay Purcell, Bill J. Reynolds and Kathy Swan.

The four were invited to the service by Fritz Sanders, chairman of Cape Girardeau County Republican Party chairman. Because of time constraints at the service, Sanders said, he couldn't invite all the candidates. Swan was invited but unable to attend.

Dr. Green said dates are being considered this month to allow U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, who is running again for the 8th District, to speak. The pastor said more candidates will speak at the church in following elections, possibly on weekdays, and that he hopes to involve more churches.

The 6-year-old church has an average attendance of 150, and about that number attended each service the candidates spoke at.

jmetelski@semissourian.com

335-6611 extension 127