Nov. 2014: Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner: Clint Tracy

__Name:__ Clint Tracy

__Age:__ 40

__Place of birth:__ Greenvile, IL

__Spouse's, children's names:__ Carrie

Theodore, Oliver

__Education:__ BS History U.S. Naval Academy

__Occupation:__ Presiding Commissioner

__Employer:__ Cape Girardeau County

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ N/A

__Public offices held or sought; give dates:__ State Representative Dist 158 2009-2010

Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner 2011-Present

__Email:__ ctracy96@hotmail.com

__Phone:__ 573-334-2553

__What are the major challenges facing Cape Girardeau County?:__

Managing growth captures most of the challenges we have faced over the past years.

Second biggest challenge is our interaction with the federal and state governments regarding regulations, legislation, and reimbursements. We have to stay vigilant and ask for everyone's help in identifying and addressing burdensome legislation and regulation.

__How would you ensure the county stays fiscally stable?:__

Continue to enact balanced budgets by ensuring expenditures remain lower than revenue.

We're always looking for ways to reduce expenditures and have several examples of doing so, from self insuring to refinancing bonds. I will continue to look for and find ways to reduce expenses and operate efficiently along with the help of the other elected officials.

__A 2013 county needs assessment outlines plans for a new courthouse that would also be home to county administrative offices. It also calls for the possible construction of a parking garage. Do you believe the county needs these new facilities? If so,:__

We're in the process of completing a facilities study. That study was conducted with an architect and a citizen advisory committee. I thank the committee for their willingness to volunteer and all of their hard work. It's our job to be prepared with a plan and bring it to the citizens. The citizens will make the final decision on a new facility.

__An additional 18 tornado warning sirens will go live across the county this month. Would you be in favor of seeking funds to purchase more sirens in the future?:__

Public Safety is a major concern for the county. We are always looking for ways to improve the safety of our residents. If we can make the community safer by purchasing additional sirens we will consider that regardless of the funding mechanism.

__Closing remarks:__

It's been an honor and privilege to serve as Cape County Presiding Commissioner. The commission has fought to cut expenses and delivered the best possible services to our residents. If re-elected, I will continue to be fiscally prudent, conservative, and responsible. I humbly ask for your continued support and your vote on November 4th. Thank you.