In four-way Chaffee race, one focusing on police

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Most of Chaffee's candidates for mayor are running for election on the typical platform -- improve infrastructure, attract business, make government more responsive to the people.

But of the four candidates, one has put the controversy surrounding the city's police department front and center in her bid to be the city's top elected official.

"I just think it needs to be straightened out," said mayoral candidate Hope Huey. "Things need to be dealt with. The people of Chaffee need to be informed."

Huey suspects things have gone on in the local police department that haven't been made known to the public. When Chaffee patrolman Daniel Ayers was arrested last month on suspicion of patronizing prostitution, Huey came out in support of Ayers' assertion that he was set up because he was ready to take steps to expose wrongdoing in the police department. At a news conference organized by Ayers, Huey's son, Charles, even circulated a petition calling for police chief Martin Keys' ouster from office.

Huey, a waitress at the Chaffee cafe Sandy's Toddle Inn and a longtime city resident, said she estimates 25 percent to 35 percent of townspeople agree with her stance. If she's right and those people vote for her, Huey could take the four-way race, since she's the only candidate openly campaigning on the "clean up the police department" platform.

Retta Mohorc

Chaffee's longtime mayor Bill Cannon resigned last year, leaving no incumbent.

Other mayoral candidates think Chaffee voters are more concerned with improving the city's infrastructure and building the city's tax base by attracting more business.

"I personally have full respect and total trust in our police chief," said mayoral candidate Loretta Mohorc, a current member of the city council and owner of a local antique store. "I believe the past problems with our police department are going to be solved now, because the officers involved in the past problems are gone."

The Ayers controversy is not the only one plaguing the police department. Two civil suits have been filed against the city seeking damages related to a fatal police chase that originated in Chaffee last year, and former Chaffee patrolman David Ruebel was recently charged on suspicion of stealing related to his job as a Chaffee officer.

Mohorc's priorities are to improve the city's aging sewer and water systems, keep her door open to all citizens and attract new business to the city.

Jack Nordin

Chaffee's other mayoral candidates, Ron Davis, a contractor with 20 years' experience on the city council, and Jack Nordin, owner of a plumbing business and a current council member of 11 years, did not return calls from the Southeast Missourian. In statements printed in the March 25 Scott County Signal, Davis emphasized beautification projects, infrastructure repairs and emergency preparedness, while Nordin also emphasized street, sidewalk, sewer and water improvements and attracting business.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182