PANCAKE HOUSE OWNER ENTERS TREASURER'S RACE

JACKSON - Orval Thorne, the owner of Sands Pancake House, entered the political arena Monday by filing as a Democratic candidate for Cape Girardeau County treasurer.

"I just started getting interested in politics the last two to three years and decided what the heck, I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain," said Thorne.

His decision to run for treasurer Thorne said was based on his feeling that he could do a good job in the office and that he could beat the present treasurer.

"The fellow who has it now has been a good customer of mine, but he has had it three times and might as well share it," added Thorne. "I felt like it was an office I could win and a job I could do if I did win."

Republican Bill Reynolds, who was first elected county treasurer in 1980, has filed for re-election.

The pancake house, located on South Kingshighway, has been a longtime popular gathering place of elected officials of both political parties.

The political talk that goes on at his restaurant every day is one of the reasons Thorne got interested in running for office, he points out.

"There's a lot of politics talked about there from Democrats and Republicans alike," said Thorne. "It's a hotbed for both parties."

The filing deadline for offices on the ballot in 1992 is March 31. So far, there are three contested races for county offices. Republican Associate Commissioner Leonard Sander is challenged by Democrat George Cox of Delta, and Republican Coroner John Carpenter is being challenged by Democrat Harold Cobb. Carpenter is also challenged in the Republican primary by Roger Moore.

Thorne, 48, has operated the pancake house for 11 years. He also operates Orv's Barbecue and does catering in the area.

If elected county treasurer, Thorne said he would devote full time to the office and hire someone to manage his restaurant.

Before taking over the pancake house, Thorne operated the Ranch House and Country Kitchen restaurants in Jackson. In the early 1970s, he managed the Ramada Inn in Cape Girardeau.

Thorne has lived in Jackson about 23 years. He was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. His wife, Diane, is a native of Jackson and works at Boatmen's Bank. They have two children, Garrett, 14, and Laci, 4. The family resides in Jackson and are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Thorne said he is looking forward to waging an aggressive campaign and is going to try and meet as many people as possible.

"There are not a whole lot of issues to debate in the treasurer's race; it's pretty much of a popularity contest," he noted.

"I've been in business here a lot of years and a lot of people know me. I think the campaign is going to be fun and I think I've got a good shot at winning this election."