SANDER, BOCK CAMPAIGN FOR COMMISSION

JACKSON - After 16 years in office, Leonard Sander says he wants to continue his work on the Cape Girardeau County Commission, building on his record of improved roads and bridges, efficient delivery of services, and being part of a commission that has kept the county in sound financial condition despite tough economic times.

But Larry Bock, who farms near Gordonville and is also involved in agri-sales, says he wants an opportunity to represent the people, hear what they have to say, and respond to their needs. Bock said he sees a need for better long-range planning and an aggressive effort toward economic development.

Sander and Bock are seeking the Republican nomination for 1st District associate commissioner. The district includes Jackson, the outcounty and Ward 17 in Cape Girardeau. The 1st District commissioner oversees the county highway department and its more than 600 miles of roads and 300 large bridges.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will face Democrat George Cox of Delta in the general election.

Both Sander and Bock have been waging aggressive campaigns.

In his campaign, Bock has focused on several issues, including the need for regional cooperation between political subdivisions within the county to help in areas like economic development. He supports a regional approach to economic development, contending that "working together is better than working separately."

Bock said he has found that many people believe they are not being heard and they want greater input. "I want to hear the views of the people and I want to represent their views," said Bock.

Sander, who was first elected to the commission in 1976, is pushing the progress Cape County has made in roads and bridges during his tenure. "I am pleased that so many people are acquainted with how much work we have done in that area," said Sander. "I think a lot of people realize the condition roads and bridges have been brought to the last few years. I think there are an awfully lot of happy people out there."

During his time on the commission, Sander said over 43 major bridges have been constructed or are being built as part of a planned improvement effort.

Getting county resources devoted to roads and bridges requires being able to work with the other two commissioners, said Sander.

"We've always been able to come to agreements that seem to be satisfactorily worked out," he said. "We must have the cooperation of each other. We don't always agree, but we do come to agreement in a manner that is to the best advantage of everybody," Sander said.

Sander initiated a program of oiling roads for dust control. Costs are split between the property owner and county. The program has grown each year, he said.

Bock said he understands that many people are concerned about roads and bridges, which makes development of a long-range plan essential. "We need to evaluate which roads are heavily traveled and what improvements need to be made to make roads better," said Bock. He said priority roads for improvements should be those that are most heavily traveled.

Although this is Bock's first political race, he has been active in other races, including that of U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.

"After working in county organizations the past 15 years I saw how county government - the County Commission especially - how important that position was. It looked like something I would like doing and I feel like I can represent people well."

Sander said he wants to continue his efforts on behalf of the county. "I have a lot of things that are still in the making," said Sander. "We have plans to complete work on several roads and bridges and it looks like we will have additional federal off-systems road money available to us. I would like to spend the next term doing the things we've just been doing for the last few years."

Planing and zoning is a big issue. The commission is studying whether to approving a zoning ordinance; however, a group of people successfully had a question put on the November ballot on whether planning and zoning should be abolished in Cape County.

Bock said he is unsure how he will vote in November, but said, "I would not support its elimination unless that is what the people want."

He said most people support some of the planning commission's work on things like mobile home court regulations and design of streets and sewers. Bock said he has heard concerns about zoning classifications and the definition of commercial and agricultural land.

"I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about those rules as they were presented," said Bock. "I have not studied the zoning plan close enough to say whether I support it, but from what people tell me there are a lot of rules and regulations there they feel are unneeded."

Sander said he expects the commission to approve a final zoning plan soon. "I personally feel that the people should be educated on this because the money has been spent developing the plan," said Sander. "I feel like people should have an opportunity to vote on this, but when they vote they need to know what they are voting for or against."

Sander represents the County Commission on the planning commission. He said the group went through nine drafts before sending a plan to the County Commission.

Sander said some minor revisions still need to be made. He said that even after a plan is approved that doesn't mean changes and variances cannot be granted.

With the present problems of solid-waste disposal, Sander said it is more important than ever to have zoning because it provides a safeguard against putting landfills in undesirable places.

"What if somebody sells their land to the highest bidder for a landfill? What recourse would the people have without zoning?" asked Sander.

"I'm not going to say the zoning is all correct but it does offer some protection for property owners."

Bock said if the county does accept zoning, "I think one of the biggest things is the planning commission has to be flexible to make changes. The County Commission has the final say in making changes."

If he is re-elected, Sander said he would continue working full time as commissioner. With the economy struggling, Sander said it is more important than ever that the commission carefully scrutinize expenditures to insure that taxes are spent wisely.

"In tight times like today, we have to play it close," said Sander. "Right now the county is in excellent condition." He said that earlier this year the commission received an award from Citizens Against Government Waste and the Taxpayer Action Network for financial management.

Bock said he has been pleased with the support shown him during the campaign.

"Wherever there are people gathered together and we are invited, we try to be there," said Bock. "I am amazed by the volunteers who have stepped forward; that is always appreciated and just the basics of a good campaign. We have had a good response."

Both Bock and Sander have been dogged by other issues during the campaign: Bock for having served on the board of Jackson Exchange Bank and Sander with talk that he would resign during a new term to enable his son, Paul, to be appointed to replace him.

"Sure I was on the Jackson Exchange Bank board, but I got on in November of 1991," said Bock. "They were closed in May of this year. It was all over but the shouting when I went on. A lot of people got hurt over that situation."

Sander said: "I have no intentions of anything like that. I have no intentions of doing anything but serving a full term. I want to continue the work we have been doing in the manner we have been doing it."

Sander said he would have no control over the appointment of a successor. That appointment is made by the governor with a recommendation made by the central committee of the same political party as the governor, he said.