Marvin Ruehling: candidate profile

Age: 65

Spouse: Jane

Children: Karen Krieger, 38, has a B.S. in math from Connecticut State University. She teaches at the Perry County School District. Daryl, 33, has a B.S. in animal science from Southeast Missouri State University and works at All Creatures Veterinarian Clinic in Perryville.

Employment: Retired from Perry County School District in 1999 with a total of 33 years in education. Presently co-owner of Ruehling Family Auction Service.

Education: B.S. in industrial technology from Southeast Missouri State University, master's in education/administration from Southeast Missouri State University, ED. S, education specialist from Southeast Missouri State University.

Memberships: Perryville Planning and Zoning, 20 years, presently serving as chairman; Immanuel Lutheran School Board; Perryville Cable Cast Board; Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri; Perryville Chamber of Commerce; American Legion Booster; member and past chairman of The Perryville Career Center Advisory Council.

Reasons for running: During my 33 years in education I have been recognized as innovative, creative, energetic and skilled in administration and management. The next mayor will face the challenges of a growing community and, with the help of the residents, will have to find solutions. I believe my background, experience and skills will allow me to make a positive contribution to the office of mayor.

Experience: I have 19 years of administrative experience that includes supervising 35 to 80 employees, preparing budgets, letting bids, purchasing supplies and equipment, writing grants, doing safety inspections and other duties related to running a business.

I have also worked in the residential and commercial building industry and understand the BOCA code and the reason for ordinances and zoning regulations. I have sold real estate and presently have an inactive broker's license. The knowledge of real estate laws will be a definite asset in the purchasing or the dispersal of city property.

Main challenges: Although Perryville has seen growth in the number of jobs available, there is still a need for more business and industry with mid- and upper-level positions. With the high cost of housing, many individuals find the purchase of housing almost impossible. Affordable housing for middle-income residents is a major concern and must be addressed as soon as possible. The services available in Perryville have greatly increased in the recent past and I believe that revitalizing "Perryville Pride" must also be addressed to encourage residents to shop at home and also to attract customers from surrounding communities. Maintaining and increasing salaries of city staff, purchasing of up-to-date equipment and updating and expanding the city's infrastructure will also be important in keeping up with the growth of the city.

Main assets: The main assets of Perryville are the people that live here. They are hardworking, honest and caring people. Although we have city services second to none, outstanding parks, the Perry Park Center, a wonderful library, a world-class soccer park and much more, none of this would have been possible without the dreams, the commitment and dedication of the residents of Perryville. Another major strength is that Perryville is located along Interstate 55 for easy access and minutes from the Mississippi River, which are major assets in attracting new business and industry.

Communication: One of the first measures I would initiate would be the Mayor's Advisory Council. Five to 10 members, from all walks of life, from each ward would be appointed to meet with the mayor on a semi-annual basis to discuss opportunities for improvement. This council would have no decision-making authority but would be a great opportunity for more residents to become involved in city government. The minutes from each meeting would be distributed to the City Administrator and the Board of Aldermen for their review. I would hope that the ideas that come form this council would assist in shaping the future of Perryville. Secondly, I would have a Web page dedicated to providing pertinent information to the residents and access via e-mail. Third, I would use the newspapers for opinion surveys and to inform residents of proposed projects and upcoming events. And finally I would attend numerous functions for face-to-face contact with the residents of Perryville.