League of Women Voters presents findings of charter government study

The League of Women Voters of Southeast Missouri presented information about a new form of county government Tuesday night.

While the group has not taken a position on the issue of whether the county should adopt a charter form of government, leaders presented its study on the issue at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

League vice president Mary Sharp said that although the group presented its previous findings to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, this was the first chance for the organization's members and the general public to learn in-depth about the study.

"We thought this was an appropriate time to present our findings to the public and then let them decide based on what they heard," Sharp said.

Most counties in the state, including Cape Girardeau, are governed by a three-person commission.

Under the charter form of government, the three-person commission would be replaced with a county council of seven to nine members and an elected executive. The council would pass laws for the county, while the executive would carry the law into effect.

Sharp said one concern that has been raised in counties where a charter government was voted on was the cost.

"People are afraid that it will cost more," Sharp said. "The cost will depend on how the charter is written.

"Just like the Cape Girardeau City Council members who receive a minimal amount of money each month, the county commissioners under the charter form of government wouldn't receive a high salary," she said. "Only the elected executive would receive a higher salary, like the Cape Girardeau city manager does."

Another common concern Sharp found during her research was the possibility of one political party giving preferential treatment.

"People are concerned about how much power the elected executive would have," Sharp said. "There are fears that some areas would have too much control over others. That would depend on the provisions in the charter, but with this form of government more people would have a chance to have their voices heard."

League treasurer Jan Miller said the additional districts represented would allow for the county to be better represented.

"Right now most of our commissioners are from either Jackson or Cape Girardeau," Miller said. "There would be a different type of representation that is more equally proportioned. More people would have a say in the government."

The League's exploration of a charter government began in fall 2007. Upon the request of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, the league presented its findings to the charter subcommittee in November 2008. Since then League members have presented their 11-page report to the Cape Girardeau County Rotary Club and Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Cape class.

The state constitution allows county commissioners or residents to place the issue on the ballot. An equal number of Democrats and Republicans are appointed to a board and given one year to write the charter. Voters must then approve the charter.

Four counties -- Jackson, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis -- have charter governments. Charter bids have failed in Buchanan, Clay and Greene counties.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

711 Clark Avenue, Cape Girardeau, MO