ONE FILES FOR SCOTT CITY COUNCIL, ONE FOR MAYOR

SCOTT CITY -- A Scott City businessman is the first candidate to file for mayor in Scott City. The filing period opened Tuesday.

After an unsuccessful bid for the seat in 1990, Larry Forhan said Tuesday he'd like to try again.

"I think we've got a good community here and I think we can make the good things even better," he said.

Also filing Tuesday for a seat on the City Council was Edith Davidson, who will seek a one-year unexpired term in Ward 2.

Forhan, 45, said he thinks there is potential for growth in Scott City, but he intends to formulate a list of goals for the city at a later date.

Forhan ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1990 against Shirley Young. The race was for an unexpired two-year term. Young has not filed for re-election and has not said whether she will run again.

A native of Arkansas, Forhan is a former resident and mayor of Ste. Genevieve. He held the position from 1975 to 1977 and says the experience he gained at that time will be an asset if he is elected mayor.

"It was a very eye-opening experience," he said. "I think my experience as a businessman will also be of value. I think I can bring some new ideas to Scott City."

Forhan is the owner of Abbey Consultants, a computer consulting and programming business. He moved to Scott City in 1982 after marrying his wife, Mary, he said. She is a lifelong resident of Scott City.

Forhan said he was encouraged by the support he received during his last bid for mayor and believes this attempt will bring the same.

"The whole tone of my campaign will be on a positive note," he said. "I don't have an ax to grind with anybody."

Davidson, 76, filed Tuesday for a one-year term on the council vacated by Jim Cauble. She said she decided to run for a council seat to set an example of getting involved in city government.

"I've always urged other people to get involved, and I think that if people really do care, they will get involved," she said.

Davidson is founder and president of the Scott City Community Betterment Association. She is a member of the Scott City Garden Club, Chamber of Commerce and the city's Historical Association. She does volunteer work with senior citizens and for Southeast Missouri Hospital. A former teacher, Davidson is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University.

In November, she was one of 10 Missouri residents to receive a Governor's Leadership Award at a statewide Community Betterment Conference.

Davidson said one of her best assets is the ability to organize and communicate with people.

She said she is concerned with building industry in Scott City and that's the key to a strong future.

"We're losing our young people," she said. "If they can't find jobs here, they'll go somewhere else, and we just don't want that."

Other council seats up for re-election are those of Jim McClintock, Ward 1; John Rogers, Ward 2; Ron Oller, Ward 3; and Jay Cassout, Ward 4.

The filing period ends Dec. 31.