Race for Scott Co. presiding commissioner now contested

BENTON, Mo. -- With less than one week left before filing ends for Scott County's primary election a Sikeston man has stepped forward to challenge Jamie Burger for presiding commissioner.

Glen Pinkerton, a 60-year-old business owner, filed for the seat on Monday.

Like Burger, Pinkerton has been a lifelong resident of the county. Besides owning his own business -- the Natural Image barbershop in Sikeston -- Pinkerton's resume contains service on several government boards and civic organizations is Sikeston and elsewhere in Scott County.

Pinkerton said this experience, which includes service on the Sikeston park board and planning and zoning commission and the Sikeston school board, along with his third-generation Scott County roots and business experience make him qualified for the position.

Pinkerton also ran for collector in 1998 and lost to current collector Mark Hensley, who is seeking re-election this year.

Current presiding commissioner Martin Priggel decided not to run for re-election this year. Burger, in the middle of his second term, said he's been working toward the presiding commissioner seat in his six years as associate commissioner, gaining the experience needed to oversee county government.