Two candidates file for open Cape Girardeau City Council seat

Two candidates filed Thursday for the open Ward 2 Cape Girardeau City Council seat.

Don Howard, a frequent visitor to the council with demands for more police protection in his south-side neighborhood, and Meg Davis, a member of the Old Town Cape board of directors, both will seek the seat Councilman Charlie Herbst must give up because of term limits.

Filing for city offices closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Along with the Ward 2 seat, voters will select a new mayor and Ward 6 council member. The Ward 1 seat held by John Voss is also on the 2010 ballot, and Voss has declared he will seek another term.

The city needs jobs, lower taxes and fees and more police, Howard said in an interview. After he has complained to the council about crime and drugs in his Ranney Avenue neighborhood, Howard said he generally sees a small increase in patrols for a short period of time.

"Basically, to me, it is let's see if we can get this guy to go away, but I don't think that is how city government should be run," said Howard, 47, a certified medical technician employed at Monticello House.

The next Ward 2 council member will represent the area targeted by the DREAM Initiative for redevelopment. Davis said her tenure on the Old Town Cape board has helped her understand the challenges that must be overcome to achieve the DREAM Initiative goals.

"Changes don't happen overnight," said Davis, 31, who is employed in advertising sales at River Radio.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.