MCCULLEY CHALLENGES KASTEN FOR HOUSE SEAT

State Rep. Mary Kasten is running for a seventh term in the Missouri House of Representatives as someone who still has unfinished business.

Melinda Benton McCulley is challenging Kasten for her seat by suggesting it is time for new leadership to ensure Cape Girardeau gets a fair return on its state tax dollars.

McCulley worked almost three years for Kasten before quitting after the 1993 legislative session. During her two sessions in Jefferson City working with Kasten, McCulley said she developed a good understanding of the legislative process and knows how to get things done.

"I decided to run because while working in the legislature I saw how things were done or how things were accomplished, and I saw that Cape Girardeau was missing out on a lot of things," said McCulley.

"I wanted to see our people get a return on our tax dollars and I believe I can be a more effective representative for the citizens of Cape Girardeau."

Kasten served 20 years on the school board in Cape and three years on the board of regents at Southeast Missouri State, where she became its first female member. She was elected to the House in 1982.

"I feel like I have some unfinished business," said Kasten, pointing to issues like welfare reform, health care, workers' comp reform, and better coordination between agencies as key areas she wants to focus on.

"There are a lot of needs I want to continue to focus on and I want to use my vast experience and relationships that I have with colleagues to be an effective voice for people of Cape Girardeau," said Kasten.

She also points to four years experience on the House Budget Committee, an assignment she plans to continue in a new term.

"I think we need better evaluation of projects and programs to make sure they are effective and prudent," she noted.

In her campaign, McCulley is stressing economic development, education and crime.

"I am really frustrated watching the economic growth of Perryville, Paducah and Poplar Bluff. I want that industry to come to Cape Girardeau," said McCulley.

From her experience working with corrections programs, working with victims of crime and battered women, McCulley said she has a good understanding of crime.

"I want to work for total community support of our police and want to help send a message don't come to Cape if you want to do a crime," she said.

Among the needs in education McCulley wants to address is a new vocational school that will serve the area by teaching trade skills to young people who do not attend college.

During her tenure in the legislature, Kasten has spent much of her efforts on welfare reform and issues related to children and families. Six years ago, a longtime effort to create a Community Caring Council in Cape Girardeau was completed, which now has more than 125 members from 60 agencies.

The intent of the council was to improve coordination and cooperation between agencies. The council idea has been copied across the state and has also drawn national attention. Welfare reform legislation approved this year contains some provisions to encourage the formation of more caring councils around the state.

Kasten said a key to economic growth in the area is keeping taxes low and reducing regulations on small businesses.

"Not only do we want to try and bring new businesses in, but we also need to try and make things better for those we already have so they can grow and expand," she said.

From her experience both from working in the legislature and in other jobs, McCulley said she has an understanding of how to solve problems and find ways to do things more efficiently or making expense cuts.

"What goes on in Jefferson City affects all of us and I feel like I can have major input and a major impact on important committees," said McCulley. "`It's time' is my slogan, and that means it is time for fresh leadership for a positive future."

McCulley and her husband, Ron, own and operate Sunshine Villa in Scott City, which is assisted living complex for the elderly and mentally disabled citizens.

"I admire well meaning intentions, but I have much more than good intentions. I want solid accomplishments for the people of Cape Girardeau," said McCulley. "I will be a fighter where I need to be so this district will get its share of the state budget."

Kasten said the real difference is in the vast experience she has over McCulley.

"All the years I have been working with people from all areas of life and work, working in so many different parts of the community, in education and every facet of the community has given me experience that is very valuable in order to be effective," said Kasten.

"It has been an honor and challenge for me to serve the people of this district. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to work for the people and be worthy of their trust."

Both candidates are strongly opposed to Amendment 7, but agree people should have the right to decide on tax increases.

State Representative

158th District

Candidates: Republican Mary Kasten, 66. Democrat Melinda Benton McCulley, 44.

District: Includes all of the city of Cape Girardeau except for Ward 17.

Duties: Serves as one of 163 members of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing about 32,000 people.

Salary: $23,491

Term: Two years.

BIOGRAPHIES:

Mary Kasten

Member of House Budget committee, secretary of House Republican caucus, ranking Republican on Children, Youth and Families Committee. Founder of Community Caring Council. Former teacher. Member Cape Chamber, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, past president Missouri School Board Association. Married to Dr. Mel Kasten, 3 children, 3 grandchildren.

Melinda McCulley

Worked in disability determinations for Social Security, 8 years. Does programs teaching and counseling children through art of puppetry. Member of RCGA; VFW and Eagles auxiliaries, advocate for humane society. Member 1st Assembly of God. Married to Ron McCulley. Has one son.