One incumbent so far faces challenger in Jackson aldermen races

With a little more than two weeks remaining until the filing deadline for Jackson Board of Aldermen elections, all four incumbents have filed for another term. Only one faces a challenger.

The deadline for filing is 5 p.m. Jan. 19.

Tim Welker is seeking a full term in Ward 1 and faces Dustin Cauble in the April 6 election. On Sept. 8, Welker, a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for Oscar Welker and Sons, filled the seat of Curt Poore, who resigned before his term expired.

In Ward 2, Dave Reiminger is seeking another term. Reiminger is the president of Overhead Door Co. of Southeast Missouri and has held his position as alderman since 1993.

Larry Cunningham is hoping to get re-elected for his seat in Ward 3, which he has held since 1996. Cunningham is an agent with Century 21 of Southeast Missouri.

In Ward 4, Joe Bob Baker is seeking another term. The owner of B&B Auto Salvage, Baker has held his position since 1999.

To be eligible for election, a candidate must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident for at least one year before the race. The pay for an alderman is $125 a month.

Among the most pressing issues candidates feel Jackson faces are economic development on East Main Street and improving traffic flow in the uptown area.

"We have to figure out some way to keep our traffic flowing, especially near the post office and courthouse," Baker said. "Those two areas are included in the plans for a possible redesign to improve some of the congestion that occurs during certain times of the day."

"Jackson is growing and will continue to grow," Baker said. "Someday I'd like to see us add some outer roads around the city, especially near East Main Street. When that happens I believe we'll see some more industry and retail come here, which could then create more jobs."

Cunningham hopes a new fire station will be constructed near East Main Street within 10 years.

"Finding the place to build the station is challenging but is needed for not only safety but also to keep our insurance rates down," Cunningham said. "In fact, keeping infrastructure up-to-date is one of the city's biggest challenges. If Jackson will continue growing, we'll need to make sure we keep paying attention to this area."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO