Paul Sander wins Jackson mayoral race again

The pay is lousy.

You're subject to public scorn, fair or not.

And then there's the time -- the Monday night meetings, the daytime meetings and the constant telephone calls at all times of day.

Yet, after six terms as mayor and a city political resume that dates back to 1986, Jackson Mayor Paul Sander will come back for more.

Sander won Jackson's mayoral race Tuesday night, capturing 2,267 votes, or 66.33 percent.

Rebecca Ward, virtually unknown in Jackson before she signed on as a candidate, received 1,141 votes.

Sander said it's the city's progress that keeps him motivated.

"I think the town continuing to do well, being progressive has a lot to do with it," he said when asked why he continues to run for mayor. "If the city wasn't growing, it would be much more difficult. It's a new challenge every day and new issues come up at every meeting. It's very enjoyable, and I thank the citizens for their confidence and support."

Ward, meanwhile, said she was braced for the defeat. She said she had numerous people tell her that her chances were not good.

"I was pretty anonymous, I guess," she said, while also acknowledging Sander's name recognition and fund-raising ability.

But "I had a wonderful time getting to know a lot more about the city, good and bad," she said. "I don't regret it at all. I'd recommend it to anybody."

She said she hasn't thought about running for an office in the future.

Sander, 49, said he doesn't know how many more times he will run for mayor. He considered running for county commission in the last county election and said he is keeping his options open to possibly run for a county office in the future.

Sander has two sons, Sam, 16 and Spencer, 12. He has been married to his wife, Pam, for 23 years.

All of the other Jackson aldermen races were uncontested, meaning Phil Penzel, Kerry Hoffman, Val Tuschhoff and Dale Rauh will retain their seats on the board.

It was the same story in other townships throughout the county -- there was no competition for the Gordonville board, Whitwewater trustees, Allenville trustees, Delta wards or Dutchtown trustee.

bmiller@semissourian.com

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