INCUMBENTS SQUARE OFF IN SCOTT COUNTY RACE

BENTON -- For years, they have worked side by side, conducting the business of county government.

But this summer, County Clerk Bob Kielhofner and Presiding Commissioner Durward Dover are pitted against each other in the presiding commissioner's race.

After nearly 24 years as county clerk, Kielhofner, 58, of rural Scott City says he is ready for a career change. Dover, 71, a retired sheet metal worker from the Oran area, has served eight years as presiding commissioner and wants to be re-elected to a third term.

In Scott County, county officeholders traditionally are Democrats. That tradition will hold forth again this year.

With no Republicans running for county office, the winners will be decided in the Aug. 2 primary. The November general election will be a formality.

In the race for presiding commissioner, both men emphasize their experience in Scott County government.

As county clerk, Kielhofner sits in on meetings of the commission, taking minutes and often offering advice. He also is the chief budget officer and pays the county's bills.

"It's a training ground if there ever was one for presiding commissioner," he said.

But Dover maintained there is a lot of difference between the jobs of county clerk and presiding commissioner. "It's not the same at all."

He said Kielhofner doesn't have to deal with potholes and other concerns of county residents. It is the commissioners, said Dover, that have to make the final decisions.

Said Dover, "Bob has always wanted to be the presiding commissioner and the county clerk too."

For his part, Kielhofner has emphasized his ability to get along with other county officeholders. Over the years, Dover has had strong disagreements with Sheriff Bill Ferrell over budget matters.

Dover isn't apologizing for it. "If I don't get along with the damn sheriff, that's tough."

Kielhofner insisted it is important for county officeholders, including the three commissioners, to work together. "We can't keep sawing each other off," he said. "I think all three commissioners need to be a little tighter and have more trust in each other."

Kielhofner said the presiding commissioner can't do it all alone. He said each of the commissioners needs to have an area of responsibility.

He said the Scott County commission also should have a closer relationship with its counterpart in Cape Girardeau County.

Both candidates said they would work to implement an emergency 911 system.

Voters in Scott and New Madrid counties might be asked to approve such a system in November, although Kielhofner said it could be April before the election is held.

The two-county system makes sense, the candidates said, because the city of Sikeston encompasses land in both counties.

The cost of the emergency system would be funded with a telephone surcharge, Dover said.

Kielhofner said a 911 emergency system should have been presented to the voters four years ago.

Both candidates said Scott County might have to consider working with another county or counties to establish a regional jail.

Kielhofner said building a 100-bed jail could cost $4 or $5 million. Scott County has an aging jail but can't afford to construct a new jail on its own, he said.

Both candidates talked about the need for improved county roads.

Dover said, "We still have got tremendous road and bridge problems that constantly need work. We've got some wooden bridges that are 50 years old and substandard."

Kielhofner said there needs to be better management of road improvements. Some roads are having to be repaved only two or three years after they were first paved with asphalt.

He said some of the roadbeds weren't adequately prepared before the asphalt was laid. More planning is needed before such roadwork is done, Kielhofner said.

Both men said the county commission will have to deal with federal mandates to make the courthouse more accessible to the handicapped.

The ramps at the front of the courthouse are considered too steep for wheelchairs, Dover said. Bathrooms and other interior spaces will have to be made accessible to the handicapped.

Dover said that with proper financial management, the county can pay for needed improvements without a tax increase.

Kielhofner said that so far little has been done to deal with the matter. "We really have been sitting still lately."

Dover said county finances have improved under his leadership. But Kielhofner said the funding picture has improved partly because of changes in state laws.

The county clerk's office oversees the computerized budget system, which makes it easier to track expenses.

Kielhofner plans to spend about $3,500 in this election, while Dover talks of spending slightly more than $1,000. "I need a lot of votes, not a lot of money," said Dover.

Kielhofner is busy these days with more than his own campaign. As the county's chief election officer, he has to oversee all the preparations for the Aug. 2 election.

And even in this election season, Dover and Kielhofner have continued to have a professional relationship. "We talk to each other and do business every day," said Dover.