Two candidates hoping for election to Jackson Board of Alderman Ward 1

Improving traffic flow in uptown Jackson and economic development throughout the city are among the issues candidates in one Jackson Board of Aldermen race feel are among the most important to the community.

Incumbent Tim Welker, 40, will face challenger Dustin Cauble, 31, in Tuesday's race for the Ward 1 seat. Both candidates said they feel their experience in the construction industry is valuable for offering insight into a variety of projects in the city, such as utility projects.

Welker is a heavy-equipment operator and truck driver for Oscar Welker and Sons, where he has worked for 22 years. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Welker has lived in Jackson his entire life.

Cauble is a mechanical superintendent for Corrigan Brothers, where he has been employed for 10 years. A native of Cape Girardeau, Cauble has lived in Southeast Missouri his entire life, the past two years in Jackson. He has two children and is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Welker, who filled the unexpired term of Curt Poore on Sept. 8, said his experience in his current position gives him an advantage over his opponent.

Dustin Cauble

"As a lifelong resident in a family-owned business, Jackson has been very good to me," Welker said. "I know a lot of business leaders and residents, allowing me to have a good grasp on what they want us to accomplish. I'm wanting to repay the community and help it to continue growing in the direction it's taking."

As a challenger and first-time candidate running for the office, Cauble said he could bring a different approach to the seat.

"From talking with some of the people during my campaign there seemed to be a separation between the government and citizens," Cauble said. "I'm wanting to bridge that gap and try to do what's best for the people."

Dustin Cauble (left) and Tim Welker

The city's most recent comprehensive plan was adopted in late 2009 and serves as a blueprint for Jackson through 2019. One of the main concerns of residents was solving traffic congestion in parts of uptown. One of the proposed solutions in the plan is a stoplight at Hope and Main streets and a roundabout in front of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse at U.S. 61 and Washington Street.

Welker said he and the other aldermen have studied the issue and that preliminary plans that include the roundabout and stoplight option will be presented before the public before any decision is made. If elected, Welker said he will continue searching for the best way to resolve the traffic congestion issue.

Cauble said additional stoplights beyond what has been proposed is one option to consider.

"The bottom line is we need to improve our roads," Cauble said. "I just don't know if a roundabout is the right fix."

Welker and Cauble said the next few years are critical for attracting retail and industry to such areas as East Main Street and Old Orchard Road.

"Solid infrastructure will be key to making this a more attractive area for commercial businesses," Welker said. "And once we extend Old Orchard Road to East Main Street later this year that will be a key piece to laying the foundation for even more growth."

Cauble said that for more businesses to relocate to East Main Street and Old Orchard Road the city must sell the area as an attractive place to operate.

"We need to explain to potential businesses that Jackson is a great place to have employees and raise a family," Cauble said. "The promotional video is a good step but we also can offer added incentives for them to come here."

In addition to Ward 1, three other board of aldermen races are on Tuesday's ballot, though the other candidates will run unopposed.

In Ward 2, Dave Reiminger is hoping to get re-elected. Reiminger is the president of Overhead Door Co. of Southeast Missouri and has held his position as alderman since 1993.

Larry Cunningham is seeking another term in Ward 3, which he has held since 1996. Cunningham is an agent with Century 21 of Southeast Missouri.

In Ward 4, Joe Bob Baker is running for re-election. The owner of B&B Auto Salvage, Baker has held his position since 1999.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO