Presiding commissioner Jones to run for fourth term

The terms for nine Cape Girardeau County offices will expire at the end of this year. Elections will take place in November for presiding commissioner, county clerk, recorder of deeds, collector of revenue, auditor, prosecuting attorney, circuit court clerk and two associate judges.

The period to file for any of the county offices begins at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 and ends at 5 p.m. March 28.

Current Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones announced Tuesday he plans to run for a fourth term as presiding commissioner.

"I like the job, and I find it enjoyable," Jones said. "There are many things we're still working on, some industrial developments that I would like to continue working on."

Since Jones took office in 1995, Cape Girardeau County has constructed an $8.3 million justice center and a $6.7 million nature center, and has overseen the expansion of the county's park systems.

"I have used common-sense thinking in making decisions I feel best benefit the entire county," Jones said. "Some of these decisions have been difficult, and some citizens have not been pleased with those decisions. But I made them with the best interest of Cape Girardeau County at heart."

If re-elected, Jones hopes to bring job growth to the county.

The term of County Clerk Rodney Miller, who has served since 1978, will also expire this year. The clerk of the county is responsible for overseeing all elections in Cape Girardeau County as well as voter registration.

Auditor David Ludwig's first term of office will expire at the end of this year. Ludwig also plans to file for re-election. The job of auditor includes tracking and auditing all office and departments that collect or handle money as well as preparing the county's budget.

The terms of Diane Diebold, collector of revenue, and Janet Robert, recorder of deeds, will expire at the end of the year. Both women have held the offices since 1998 and 1978, respectively.

Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has served as prosecutor for 16 years. His term of office will also expire this year.

Terms of associate circuit judges Gary Kamp and Peter Statler as well as circuit court clerk Charles Hutson Jr. will end this year.

jfreeze@semissourian.com