Interim chief unsure about seeking permanent post

The Cape County Transit Authority is like most businesses -- follow sound practices and keep people with specialized knowledge close and things should run smoothly, interim director Tom Mogelnicki said Friday.

After a week on the job, Mogelnicki said he's unsure whether he will seek a permanent appointment to replace outgoing executive director Jeff Brune. But he said he's not going to sit back and be a caretaker, either.

Mogelnicki, 60, of Cape Girardeau has run a construction company, operated a real estate company with his wife and is a licensed septic system and well inspector. On Monday, he started his latest venture, taking charge of the expanded transit service that began bus service and full-time taxi service countywide in July.

Several items of unfinished business won't be neglected while the board seeks a permanent replacement for Brune, Mogelnicki said.

Near the end of 2006, Brune persuaded the Cape Girardeau County Commission and the county Senior Services Fund Board to provide major increases in funding. He was stymied, however, when he sought additional money from Jackson, and indicated at the time that he would also be asking Cape Girardeau for additional help.

Following up with Jackson and making a specific request for help from Cape Girardeau are high on Mogelnicki's list.