KLAUS TAKES HAT FROM RING IN PERRY COUNTY BOARD RACE

PERRYVILLE -- After 12 years, Karl Klaus is ready to retire as Perry County's presiding commissioner.

Klaus' term ends Dec. 31, and when filing opens for the August primary, his name won't be on the ballot.

Klaus, 48, and County Clerk Randy Taylor came to county government at the same time.

"We started at the same time, and we've worked together," Taylor said. "He's been a good presiding commissioner and we've worked well together. I think he's done a fine job for Perry County."

Klaus said it's time for him to move on.

"I've had the job 12 years, and I think that's probably long enough," he said. "It's time to get some new people and some new ideas."

He is reluctant to speak about what the county has accomplished during his tenure in office.

"I'm not the type of person that likes to expound on things that happened while I was in office," he said. "I did what I thought was right, tried to be unbiased and worked for the public safety and welfare of the people of Perry County."

Taylor is more outspoken.

"Since he's been here, we've purchased the administrative building that we're in, which was a plus for the community," Taylor said. "It left the court system intact in the courthouse."

When Klaus took office, the county was in the red $133,000, and once the county paid that $133,000 off, it's been in the black. "That's a major accomplishment," Taylor said. "He's very fiscally responsible."

Klaus' retirement could stir up quite a bit of interest in the August primary.

The April general election won't hold much interest for voters. There are only two contested races, one on the Perryville Board of Aldermen and one on the Longtown Board of Trustees.

The primary ballot should be a little livelier as candidates vie to take Klaus' place in county government.

"It'll be very interesting," Taylor said. "I would say we'll have several contestants come forward."

Klaus isn't interested in seeking another office at this time. "I have a family still in school," he said. "I'd like to spend a little more time in them."

Klaus owns a construction company and is on the boards of directors for Citizens Electric and Bank of Missouri.

"So I'll stay busy," he said.