MACKE WON'T RUN AGAIN; CAPE OFFICIAL WANTS POST

When H. Weldon Macke became Cape Girardeau County's first-ever elected auditor 34 years ago, all the work was done with hand-cranked calculators and scribbled on paper.

"There was no air conditioning and we had small rooms to work in," Macke recalled. "Now we have computers along with everything else."

Next year will be Macke's last as auditor. He acknowledged Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2002's November general election.

"I figured 34 years is probably enough," said Macke, who turns 71 later this month.

Two people have expressed interest in the job. Cape Girardeau city councilman Matt Hopkins said he plans to announce his decision to run at the Republican Central Committee meeting Thursday night. Macke said Jackson Alderman David Ludwig told him that he also would like the seat, which pays $54,000 a year.

"I think both of them have qualities that can be good," Macke said. "I'll be around for advice if they want it. But the job really is just about getting in and getting your feet wet."

Macke said he considered retirement a couple of years ago, but Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones asked him to stay on.

"I knew where all the money was and how it was invested," he said. "But now, other than the juvenile center, everything else will be under way."

The post was created in 1967. After Gov. Warren E. Hearnes appointed a Democrat who served for two years, Macke, a Republican, was the first elected to the post. Macke said he has enjoyed his job greatly.

"I've loved it. I've never loved anything more in my life," said Macke. "I really have loved dealing with facts and figures."

Hopkins said he would like to run a campaign that promises to continue the successful legacy that Macke leaves behind.

"I wouldn't even run if Weldon was going to run," he said. "Cape County has been really well run for a number of years, and I want to be a part of that."

Hopkins is a stay-at-home parent for his two children. He is the former executive director of March of Dimes who graduated with degrees in finance and management from Southeast Missouri State University. Hopkins ran for county collector in 1998 but was defeated.

"I want to do this because I enjoy working with numbers," Hopkins said. "I like to plan for what revenues and expenses should be and make that happen."

If Hopkins is elected, a special election would be required to fill his council seat.

Ludwig could not be reached for comment.

The auditor's duties include tracking and auditing all offices and departments that collect or handle money and to review all purchase requests and expenditures as well as advising the Cape Girardeau County Commission on financial matters. Cape Girardeau County has a budget of about $12 million.

Harold Kuehle, county collector for three decades, worked with Macke until Kuehle retired in 1999.

"They're going to lose a wealth of knowledge about the county finances," Kuehle said. "He was very diligent in his job and he took it very seriously working with all the financial projects that the county took on. He gave the county commission a lot of advice. They're going to miss him."