Jay Purcell planning bid for county commission

Cape Girardeau city councilman Jay Purcell announced Wednesday that he will run for the Cape Girardeau County Commission.

He is seeking the second district commissioner seat currently held by Joe Gambill. Gambill said Wednesday he has not decided whether to run again.

Purcell is serving his second term as a city councilman. He is a member of the Public Awareness Board and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. He was a past member of the Industrial Recruitment Association and the Board of Directors of the local March of Dimes.

Purcell said he has been urged by a number of civic leaders to run for this office, including former Mayor Gene Rhodes and former Mayor Pro Tem Melvin Gateley, who will serve as Purcell's campaign treasurer.

Purcell and his wife Kelly have been married 12 years and have four children.

Purcell is one of several candidates rumored to be running for the second district, which consists mostly of Cape Girardeau. He is the first to make an official announcement.

The office incudes a four-year term.

Candidates can file as early as Feb. 24 and as late as March 30 for the Aug. 3 primary and Nov. 2 general election.

Both associate commission seats, sheriff, assessor, treasurer, public administrator and coroner positions are up for election this year.