Harry Rediger, two new council members sworn into office

With city officials, friends and family looking on in a crowded Cape Girardeau City Council chamber, Harry Rediger and two new council members were sworn into office Friday.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Meg Davis-Proffer, a sales representative for River Radio, and Ward 6 Councilwoman Kathy Swan, owner of JCS/Tel-Link, are the newest members. With Ward 3 Councilwoman Debra Tracy and Ward 4 Councilwoman Loretta Schneider, the council will, for the first time, have a majority of women.

Ward 1 Councilman John Voss is also starting a new term, his second on the council.

Outgoing council members Charlie Herbst of Ward 2 and Marcia Ritter of Ward 6 praised the city staff and their fellow council members for creating a spirit of cooperation. "It's been a good ride," Herbst said.

"I learned fast that we had, by all means, to do our homework," Ritter said.

Jay Knudtson, leaving office after eight years, said the office gave him "a special privilege to go behind the walls of city hall and learn how the city is run."

And he had some advice for Rediger and the other new members: "Be patient, be tolerant and figure out that you can't fix everybody's problems."

But he asked them to continue the attitude of customer service for the city's residents.

After being sworn in and taking Knudtson's seat at the center of the council table, Rediger said he was grateful for the opportunity, adding that he, as a former retail manager, would promote customer service by the city's staff and the council.

"You have set the plate well for the council and myself," Rediger said.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.