JACKSON MAYORAL CANDIDATES MEET PUBLIC

JACKSON -- A rare mayoral race between a three-term Jackson alderman and the 11-term incumbent mayor will highlight this year's municipal election in Jackson.

For the 74-year-old Meyer, this is the first time he's had opposition for re-election since 1981. Sander, 37, is the first candidate to oppose Meyer since former Jackson businessman Tom Schulte was defeated by Meyer by 232 votes. Meyer was first elected in 1973 when he defeated then-mayor Paul Leonard.

Both candidates have conducted a low-key campaign that includes yard signs and personal contacts. Both plan to increase their activities during the final week of the campaign.

Sander says by election day, he will have personally knocked on the front door of every home in Jackson to solicit support for what he calls a grassroots campaign. He also plans an electronic and print media blitz to wrap up his bid for mayor.

Meyer is encouraged by the response of the people he has contacted, and also plans a final print and electronic news media advertising campaign.

Sander says the response to his personal contact campaign has been very encouraging. "The people I have met are excited about the possibility of new ideas and strong, progressive leadership for the middle and late 90s. I have been very well pleased with the response to my campaign," Sander says.

If re-elected, Meyer says his goal is to continue the progress that has made Jackson "First in jobs, first in planned growth, first in environmental responsibility, and first in city management."

Meyer cited a number of projects that have been completed during his terms in office, including new and expanding industries, a new wastewater treatment plant, increased electrical power capacity at the municipal power plant, new and expanding commercial business areas in the city, and paving and upgrading city streets, including the widening of East Jackson Boulevard to five lanes.

Meyer also cites the city's growth in the 1990 census. Jackson was one of the few cities in Southeast Missouri to show significant increase in population. "I want to see this progress continue into the 1990s," Meyer said. "My goals are to complete present projects and initiate new ones to make `Jackson First.'"

Meyer has lived in Jackson for over 50 years. He is now semi-retired, having operated Jackson Frozen Food Lockers for 43 years. Meyer says his retirement gives him more time to devote to the office of mayor, and represent Jackson on the local, county, district and state levels.

Sander says his aldermanic, civic and business experience and a willingness to be flexible on all issues will be a positive force in working as mayor with the board of aldermen and the citizens of Jackson. "I will advocate a good sense of cooperation between the board members, city employees and the citizens of Jackson. I will promote new ideas and will be, along with the other members of the board, a voice for Jackson's future."

Sander said he is proud of his past record as an alderman. "I have worked very hard at being an effective alderman and I have been a part of many improvements that have occurred in Jackson," he stated.

"As a third generation uptown Jackson businessman, I will be accessible to the public, to hear the concerns of all citizens and comments on ways to improve Jackson. As mayor, I will continue to push for road and street improvements, and work with the Board of Aldermen toward sound financial policies for our future."

Sander is the son of former county commissioner, Leonard Sander, and the grandson of the late C.H. Sander, a former mayor of Jackson.

Sander operates SEMO Specialties and Sports, Inc., and has 16 years of business experience in Jackson.