KNUDTSON, EGGIMANN VOW TO TAP EXPERIENCE TO SERVE WARD

Jay Knudtson and Richard L. "Butch" Eggimann would rely heavily on their diverse backgrounds and turn a sensitive ear to the needs of their ward if given a seat on the Cape Girardeau City Council.

So proclaimed the candidates who will oppose each other in Tuesday's city council election for Ward 6.

"I live in the financial world and deal with a lot of government programs," said Knudtson, who has been an assistant vice-president at Boatmen's Bank of Cape for the past four years. "There are programs out there that haven't even been tapped into," said Knudtson, who believes such programs have the potential to meet the needs of those seeking low- or moderate-income housing in Cape.

"One of the most gratifying experiences I've had in the banking business was what happened the other day," said Knudtson. "I deal with residential real estate loans. I was able to be a part of an 80-year-old woman getting her first home. You wouldn't believe how happy she was to have that."

Added Knudtson, who is opposed to public housing, "I'm a firm believer in being responsible for your actions and who you are. It's important to develop a sense of ownership and pride in where you live."

Knudtson serves on the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Parks Development Foundation. He also is a member of the Cape Lions Club and is a board member and coaching coordinator with the Cape Youth Hockey League.

Eggimann, who is a former businessman, educator and builder, plans to bring the wealth of his experience to the city council if elected to represent Ward 6 next Tuesday.

"I've spent my life here, which means I've made a big investment in the community," said Eggimann, who also is a former elementary school principal and superintendent of the Kelso School District. "I think the ward system is an improvement over what we've had because there is going to be true representation. People I've talked to are upset that it's taken so long with the gambling issue and also with the trash situation."

Eggimann believes the city council should look for ways to keep solid waste billing from increasing. "I'm against raising fees for trash pickup," said Eggimann. "I believe there are people in this city who can't afford to pay for all of the services. We need to provide alternatives to keep the price down. Maybe we should make leaf pickup and recyclable pickup optional."

Knudtson is a firm believer in giving Cape citizens an opportunity to vote on any fee increase that surpasses 6 percent. "It's the right of the people to make sure they have a say in that decision," he said.

Knudtson and Eggimann differ on the cost of building a home in Cape Girardeau versus building outside the city limits. "My opponent doesn't believe it should cost more to build in Cape than Gordonville," said Knudtson. "I disagree with this completely. You have to understand that there is more of a resale value in Cape than in areas outside of the city."

Said Eggimann,"I just feel that there's a possibility our restrictions and fees have caused people to build outside of Cape. Homeowners feel they are footing too much of the bill of expensive inspection costs. They're looking for areas outside of the city to build the same quality house for less money."

Knudtson is in favor of stiffer sentences to criminals rather than adding to the Cape police force. "It doesn't do any good to add more officers to catch the bad guys if we don't punish the bad guys," said Knudtson.

Both Knudtson and Eggimann believe passage of the upcoming one-quarter-cent sales tax for the sewer improvement program is essential to the city. "We need to take care of things like that before we move on to new projects," said Knudtson.

Said Eggimann,"Taking care of the sewer system is vital. I would also like to see Twin Lakes get their sewers and water as quickly as possible."

The city's consulting firm, Sverdrup Corporation, has begun final design engineering for trunk and lateral sewers to serve the Twin Lakes subdivision annexed by the city in August 1993.

Knudtson said he would implement a monthly or bi-monthly ward meeting to create an ongoing dialogue with his constituency.

"I know bankers wear suits and ties because somebody decided a long time ago that they should dress like that," said Knudtson. "But I'm for throwing on a pair of blue jeans and a sweater and meeting with the people of my ward and listening to what they have to say about the issues. I want to know what they think needs to be done to make their lives better."

Eggimann indicated he plans to keep in constant touch with people who live in his ward via informal conversations and feedback from city council meetings.