INCUMBENT UNSEATED IN JACKSON RACES

JACKSON -- A close race for Ward 3 alderman in Jackson has the losing candidate considering a recount.

Challenger Larry Cunningham received 217 votes Tuesday compared to incumbent Glenn Oldham's 212 votes. Absentee ballots made the difference -- Oldham received 10 to Cunningham's 16.

"I have no idea at this time whether I'll ask for a recount," Oldham said. "I'll have to think about it and see how long I have to make up my mind."

County Clerk Rodney Miller said candidates who lost by less than a 1 percent margin qualify for an automatic recount if they request it. There still is some expense involved for candidates who make the request.

Both candidates waged active campaigns, attempting to contact every voter in their ward.

Oldham won his first election in 1984 and ran unopposed in each election until this year.

Cunningham, who served on the Planning and Zoning Board, said he was relieved to hear the election outcome after lots of knocking on doors and erecting signs.

"I have been looking forward to serving, although I know it will be a lot of hard work," Cunningham said. "I'm thankful for my good friends and the people who helped me."

In other races, Ward 1 Alderman David Ludwig beat out challenger Donna Langford 209 votes to 166 to retain his seat and Ward 4 Alderman Fred Leimer beat challenger John Powers 174 votes to 84.

Tuesday was Ludwig's eighth election, and he jokingly called himself the "Marathon Alderman." He and his wife, Janet, went door-to-door for several days before the election, including during Sunday's rainstorm.

"I am very happy to be back for another term," Ludwig said. "I think the voters in my ward appreciate the work that the council is doing."

Leimer is a relative newcomer to the Jackson Board Aldermen, winning the seat in 1994. His challenger, Powers, is involved in a legal dispute with the city over the paving of Oak Hill Road, where Powers lives.

Dave Reiminger and Kerry Hoffman ran unopposed in Ward 2, Reiminger for a full two-year term and Hoffman for the rest of a one-year unexpired term.

Jackson voters also decided to make the city collector's position an appointed one, with 820 voting yes and 461 no. Because of the decision, aldermen will hire a city collector as they do a city clerk. The Cape Girardeau County collector will collect Jackson's city taxes.

City Collector Beverly Nelson said contracting with the county will save the city money in postage and in other expenses.