ROADS, BRIDGES KEY ISSUES IN CAPE COUNTY DISTRICT 1 COMMISSIOONER RACE

Traditionally, the 1st District associate commissioner is responsible for overseeing roads and bridges in Cape Girardeau County. So roads and bridges naturally emerge as the central issue of the Nov. 8 race between Republican Larry Bock and Democrat Jack Piepenbrok.

Bock was elected two years ago to his first term. In seeking re-election, he points to steps he has taken to improve long-range planning, citizen input and professionalism in dealing with road and bridge problems.

Piepenbrok said one of the reasons he is running for the commission is because of encouragement he has received from people frustrated by deteriorating county roads.

"There are a lot of problems out there with the county roads. I don't propose to have all the answers, but we'll work together to find answers," said Piepenbrok. "People are so desperate they are calling me as a candidate because they can't get anything done."

Bock said that with 600 miles of county roads to maintain, not everyone is always happy. But Bock said some major changes in operations of the county highway department will ensure a good level of maintenance.

He also scoffs at suggestions from Piepenbrok that many people are dissatisfied with the condition of roads.

"The county highway department employees do an outstanding job -- They take their jobs to heart and do a good job for us," said Bock.

During his two years on the commission, Bock said he has cut overtime in the highway department from 10-hour days to eight-and-one-half hour days: established a citizens advisory committee on roads and bridges that will be the basis for a five-year plan he hopes to implement; and a certified engineer has been hired to oversee the highway department.

Over the last two years, Bock said four bridges were replaced and several county roads are being raised above flood levels.

Bock, 56, lives on a farm near Gordonville. He has maintained a farming operation and agri-seed business for 34 years. He stressed the importance of having someone from the outcounty elected 1st District commissioner to ensure that roads are taken care of.

Piepenbrok, 52, lives in Jackson and is serving his fourth term on the Jackson Board of Aldermen. Currently he is chairman of the street committee, a role he believes will give him good insight into the duties of a commissioner.

Piepenbrok said roads and bridges are the county's biggest problem, but another "huge problem" on the horizon is solid-waste disposal.

Bock believes the county's biggest problem is growth in the outcounty and pressures it puts on the county road system. "It is also very important to have industrial recruitment and keep new industry coming into the county for employment," said Bock.

Cape County's road-and-bridge budget now is about $1.7 million. One option that has been discussed to increase the pool of funds is a sales tax.

Bock said that is an option the county might want to consider, but it should be decided by voters. He said it might be used to eliminate the property tax.

Piepenbrok said he is "definitely opposed" to a sales tax for county roads. "There is plenty of money for roads and bridges if we can get our share of state and federal money. I think we can take care of roads on $1.7 million, using some of our capital trust funds as matches on large bridges and for equipment," said Piepenbrok.

"If I can't maintain those roads with $1.7 million, I'll give up and let somebody else do it."

Two years ago voters in Cape County defeated a county zoning plan, which, in effect, abolished the county planning department.

Piepenbrok favors taking steps to put a plan back in place.

"I think it is something that has to be addressed, but it has to be done totally different than it was done before to ensure more input. It has to be addressed in a county this size, with all of its growth and development," he said.

Bock said he believes the issue was defeated two years ago because of concerns about over-regulation. "We need to take it slow and easy and add rules and regulations as people think it needs to be," said Bock.

Bock said he offers voters of Cape County two years experience. He said that with two other commissioners retiring, his election is important to ensure continuity.

Piepenbrok said he offers people a variety of experience. "I have experience in business and local government. I have been working with a budget for eight years on the Jackson council, which is roughly the same size as the county budget," said Piepenbrok. "And I already have solid working relationships with other county officials."

BIOGRAPHIES

Jack Piepenbrok

Served four years as county treasurer, owned insurance agency for 15 years, worked as bank loan officer, worked in the excavating construction business, and was an inspector three years with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau County.

Has business management degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

Army veteran.

Wife, Beverly. They have two children, both in college.

Larry Bock

Lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau County.

Represents county commission on the University of Missouri Extension Council and board of Cape Area Industrial Recruitment Association.

Served two terms as state Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service board member.

Active in Farm Bureau and Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

Wife, Shirley. They have seven children.

CAPE COUNTY ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER

Candidates: Republican Larry Bock, 56, of Gordonville. Farmer and agri-businessman; currently serving first term as commissioner. Democrat Jack Piepenbrok, 52, of Jackson. Serving as Ward 4 alderman in Jackson.

District: Includes Jackson, the out county area, and Ward 17 in the city of Cape Girardeau.

Duties: Along with two other commissioners, makes up the county's administrative body. Traditionally, the 1st District commissioner is responsible for overseeing the county's highway department.

Term: Two years.

Salary: $25,000.