Recording shows officials at loggerheads

The recorded conversation between Cape Girardeau County commissioners Gerald Jones and Jay Purcell begins with an agreement.

Neither man wants to argue.

But that is exactly what they do. However, their harsh, profanity-laced exchanges are interspersed with driving directions, pleasantries and observations about Cape Girardeau's political scene.

Their disagreements reflect the magnitude of the power struggle between Jones, the veteran presiding commissioner, and Purcell, running for his second term of office.

Purcell released the recordings Wednesday after announcing he is suing the county government over the Sunshine Law.

He said he had planned to put the recorder on the dash of the car but changed his mind and left the machine in his pocket. As tempers flared, he reached in his pocket and turned it on.

The conversation took place from 9:27 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Feb. 6 during a ride from Cape Girardeau to a Jefferson City conference.

Purcell expresses frustration that his suggestion to create a single, customer-oriented office space for the county's four highway workers has been repeatedly rejected.

Telling Jones "we have an ongoing issue, all the time, where people are coming in and saying, 'My road easements aren't getting signed,'" Purcell says. He tells Jones the complaints reflect poorly on all three commissioners, including Commissioner Larry Bock, who handles county road and bridge issues.

"Again I'm not trying to take any of [Bock]'s authority," Purcell says, adding that the move would cost the county about $5,500.

"But Jay, get that out of your head," Jones says, as Purcell tries to interrupt. "Get that out of your g-------- head. It's going to make your life a lot simpler. Larry's not going to vote for you, I can tell you that."

"And that might be," Purcell replies. "Why wouldn't Larry vote for it?"

"Because he's not going to piss me off. He's got a little more respect," Jones says.

At another point, Purcell suggests Jones has forgotten his place in the county hierarchy.

"You've got to get out of your head that you're not King Gerald. You're Presiding Commissioner Gerald," Purcell says.

In one fast-paced, almost playful exchange, Jones suggests Purcell's brashness will ruin his political future.

Jones: "You've got a beautiful wife, a great family. You owe it to them to try to keep this job. You've got the best job you've ever had. ..."

Purcell: "Well, sure."

Jones: "More money than you've ever made. ..."

Purcell: "Well, that's not true.

Jones: "More authority than you've ever made or ever had. ..."

Purcell: "Well, that's true."

Jones: "And I'm telling you, you are not looking as wonderful as you think you're looking."

Purcell: "This isn't an attempt to look wonderful, Gerald."

Jones goes on to tell Purcell that the Southeast Missourian is "out to get your a--. I don't know what it's going to take."

Despite being intensely at odds on some issues, the recording ends on an upbeat note as the two arrive in Jefferson City. Jones, in a genial tone of voice, asks, "You want to go get a sandwich or something to eat?"

"Yeah," Purcell replies in the same tone. "That sounds good."

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

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