Jackson Manor admissions director to run for public administrator

In his time as admissions director at a Jackson nursing home, Kenny Loos has come into contact with many area seniors who have wonderfully supportive families.

But he's also met some who didn't.

"Some have come to us who never had anyone," Loos said. "If I can help people like that, I would like to do that."

Loos, who has worked at Jackson Manor for five years, has announced his Republican candidacy for Cape Girardeau County Public Administrator. Loos is hoping to replace Phyllis Schwab, who is stepping down after more than a decade from a job that pays $72,000 a year.

Loos, a lifelong Jackson resident, is the first to publicly declare an intention to run for the job that would make him the court-appointed guardian for county residents who have been deemed unable to care for themselves. The state statute describes the position as someone responsible for the care, treatment, habilitation, support and maintenance of the county's roughly 150 incapacitated.

Loos believes his years working with nursing home residents -- and their families -- makes him a natural fit for the job. Loos holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

"Families that have worked with me recognize my growing compassion and commitment to them and their loved ones," Loos said. "Every individual is entitled to caring support in a time of need."

Patricia Wallace got to know Loos when she made the decision that her aging mother needed to be in a nursing home, a decision that she said was excruciating. She said Friday she thinks Loos would be ideal for the job of public administrator, who often has to make medical and financial decisions for those the statutes call wards.

"He was so very honest and kind," Wallace said. "When you see him at the nursing home, he's so considerate and compassionate. And he's up front with you. That's important, too."

Before Loos decided to work at Jackson Manor, he worked in direct sales for most of his life in the consumer products industry. He worked for two soft drink organizations, Vess Beverages and Metro Beverages.

But when he lost his job to corporate restructuring in 2006, the strong Catholic had an idea of what his next field would be. For some time, he had brought the Eucharist to the homebound. Before he even began working at Jackson Manor, he had been going to the nursing home as a lay minister.

"If you had asked me six years ago that I'd be doing this, I would probably have called you a liar," Loos said. "But this is what I think I'm supposed to be doing."

Filing for the office begins Feb. 28.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO