RHODES AND REYNOLDS FACE OFF IN REPUBLICAN PRIMARY OF TREASURER'S RACE

After 12 years as treasurer of Cape Girardeau County, Bill Reynolds is satisfied that he has done a good job - expanding the role of the office, bringing the county maximum return on its investments, and being part of a strong team of officeholders that makes Cape County the envy of others.

But Edwin "Pete" Rhodes, a longtime area businessman, is challenging Reynolds in the Republican Party primary. Rhodes believes that eight years is long enough for any official to serve and feels that he has the experience to make a positive contribution to county government.

"A man should not hold office over eight years," said Rhodes. "In eight years, he has used up all of his ideas that are going to work."

But Reynolds points out that he has served a shorter time than most other county officials and has earned another term. "I feel like I have done a good job and I'll run on my record," said Reynolds. "I will put my record up against any treasurer in the state of Missouri.

"I think I've done a good job. I have enjoyed the work and feel that it is challenging. The workload of this office has doubled or tripled since I took office."

The winner of the Aug. 4 primary will face Orval Thorne, owner of Sands Pancake House, in the general election. Thorne is not opposed in the Democratic primary.

Rhodes is making his first run for public office.

"I am partially retired and just feel that this gives me something to do and is a job I can do based on my experience," said Rhodes. "In my business I have always handled a lot of money, and felt like this was something I could do without just laying down and not doing anything."

Rhodes was part owner of Plaza Tire Co. for almost 23 years before selling out in 1986. He purchased three convenience stores and still has one left that he operates. He also manages some commercial property around town.

Rhodes has lived in Cape County for over 30 years and has been in business for himself for nearly 40 years. "I started at age 20 working at my own service station and have been in business for myself ever since," Rhodes explained.

He has been active in coaching youth baseball and with the Elks and VFW. Rhodes has also assisted with a variety of fundraising events for local organizations.

"I have never drawn one penny of unemployment. I never had a job when I was working that I couldn't go back and get," Rhodes observed.

Before being elected treasurer, Reynolds, a life-long resident of the county, worked for Hirsch Broadcasting and KFVS Radio as an ad salesman and in sports and staff announcing for 25 years. After leaving KFVS, he owned the old Oglander's Clothing Store on Main Street for five years.

He graduated from College High and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He is a member of the American Legion and active in Lynwood Baptist Church. For the past 12 years he has served as master of ceremonies for the Homecomers talent shows and the area Junior Miss Pageant.

Last year Reynolds served as state president of the Missouri Association of County Treasurers, which has members from every county in the state.

Since taking office, Reynolds said he has begun investing money for all county entities that receive funds; at the present time he is responsible for keeping records on 20 different checking accounts.

In 1990, Cape County made over $1 million in interest on all investments. In 1991, even with lower rates, still came close to that level.

"We are number one in the state for getting the most return on our money, and we have pledged securities to cover it," said Reynolds.

Rhodes contends that by law, the county treasurer in second class counties does not have a lot to do, because of the presence of an auditor.

"The treasurer just doesn't have a lot to do," said Rhodes. "He is not going to do a whole lot for you because there is not a lot to do. The treasurer does not invest the money or spend the money.

"If someone tells you what they can do for you in the treasurer's office they are lying. It is one of the jobs where they can do the least for you."

But Rhodes said he sees his role as being part of the team and doing the limited duties of the office well.

"I feel qualified to do what duties are there well and to be part of the team. I never had a job yet I did not work at. I will work at this job and anything that needs to be done, I will do," said Rhodes.

"I'm going to be there and if there is anything I can do, I will."

Reynolds strongly disagrees with Rhodes' assessment of the treasurer's office and believes it is an important office to county government.

He points out that the county has gone from a warrant system to where bills are paid by checks, and the treasurer must sign all checks. Also, in converting to computer last year, the work load and need for additional record keeping has increased.

"Everything we do, we make copies and give it to the auditor, but we do the initial work," said Reynolds. "The auditor deals with all other offices in the county as well.

"It is a business, not a hobby."

Rhodes says he is enjoying his first political campaign. "I like to meet people and in my past experience with Plaza Tire I have worked with a lot of people. I know how to work with people," said Rhodes. "I'm running on my experience and my ability to make things happen."

Unlike some of his predecessors, Reynolds stresses that he is a full-time treasurer. "This is my only business," said Reynolds, adding that he is proud to be part of the group of officials running Cape County.

"I would put this county up against any in the state of Missouri. I think other counties look up to us, and maybe even are a little bit envious sometimes."

This is the first of several articles looking at primary election races on the Aug. 4 ballot in Cape County.