KEN LIPPS THROWS HAT IN RING FOR CITY COUNCIL WARD 4 POSITION

Ken Lipps hopes his Cape Girardeau roots and a good dose of honesty will help him in a bid for City Council.Lipps, director of volunteer services at the Missouri Veterans Home, is seeking a seat on the council representing Ward 4. He lives at 1570 Saratoga.He is only the second person to file for city council. Jay Purcell, who represents the city's Ward 3, filed for re-election on Oct. 26. Filing deadline is Tuesday.Council members are limited to two consecutive terms under the city charter after voters approved the term limitation in 1996. Candidates must also have lived in the city for two years before filing, a requirement changed from a four-year residency rule prior to 1996.Lipps, who grew up in the south-central portion of the city, said he's concerned about the decline in that area. "Rich or poor, native or newcomer, we are all part of the city," he said. If elected, Lipps said he would support council members in other wards so everyone could benefit from growth and jobs. Lipps said he supports the joint efforts of the city and university in a River Campus project.Letting residents know the costs of any city project is the key to getting their approval, he said. "I am convinced the vast majority of residents are progressive and will approve funds for necessary projects," he said, "but they want to know how much it will cost up front."Lipps said he understands city officials and council members never meant to mislead voters about the cost of recent sewer projects, but "even a competent and well-meaning city staff may tend to be somewhat optimistic in presenting cost estimates." Lipps has been director of volunteer services, public relations and fund raising for the Veterans Home since 1992. Since his arrival, volunteer hours have increased by 60 percent, and annual donations have increased by 200 percent, he said.

RUNNING FOR OFFICE

How to file:Residents interested in filing for city council must live in the ward where a seat is open. Council terms in Wards 3, 4 and 5 are up for election in 2000.Council candidates must collect signatures from 50 registered voters in their ward and return the petitions to City Hall by 5 p.m. Nov. 23.