Jackson mayor announces bid for county clerk

~ Mayor of 13 years wants to replace Rodney Miller, who has been clerk for 25 years.

After serving 13 years as Jackson's mayor, Paul Sander has announced his candidacy for a Republican nomination for the office of Cape Girardeau County Clerk.

"I've had an interest in local government for a long time," Sander said. "I've also been looking at exploring other options. Knowing that the incumbent is not going to file, I think the timing is good to seek the full-time office as county clerk."

Rodney Miller, current county clerk, said he has not publicly announced his decision to file for re-election. Miller, a democrat, has held the position of county clerk for more than 25 years.

The filing period for county offices begins at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 and ends at 5 p.m. March 28. Terms for nine Cape Girardeau County offices will expire at the end of this year. Elections will take place in November for presiding commissioner, county clerk, recorder of deeds, collector of revenue, auditor, prosecuting attorney, circuit clerk and two associate judges.

Sander's term as mayor will expire next April, and Miller's term expires at the end of this year. If Sander is elected county clerk, he would be required to step down from his position as Jackson's mayor on Jan. 1, 2007.

Democratic Central Committee chairman Tom Neumeyer said at this point no democrats have announced running for county clerk.

"Rodney Miller served many years and has been of great service for the people of Cape Girardeau County," Neumeyer said.

Sander said he plans to continue Cape Girardeau County's history of having honest and efficient voter-friendly elections.

"The current county clerk has done an excellent job, and so I have no major plans for changing an office that continues to run very smoothly," he said.

His experience in city government for the past 20 years -- he served as an alderman for seven years prior to becoming mayor -- will be a benefit, Sander said.

"We operate our city government in an efficient, proactive, cost effective manner, always keeping our solid financial condition in mind," Sander said. "I hope to put that experience, solid work ethic and a cooperative attitude to work in the county clerk's office."

In January, current Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones announced he is seeking re-election for a fourth term as presiding commissioner.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

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