Walter White

Walter White is running for mayor as a common-sense guy with some non-conventional ideas.

While some of his stances concur with the other three candidates -- the idea of making the city more enticing for college graduates to stay here, for example -- many of his plans are unlike anything the other candidates have offered.

For instance, to improve the affordable housing situation and to revitalize neighborhoods, White said he would contact Magic Johnson Enterprises for additional funds and assistance.

The former NBA player has built theaters in inner-city areas to improve business oportunities. Magic Johnson Theaters, in partnership with Sony Retail Entertainment, has opened theaters in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston with others planned in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, New Orleans, San Diego and Washington, D.C.

"They got $155 million set aside for revitalization of neighborhoods and businesses," White said.

White, 44, also said he wants the city to build four parks for the elderly so they can feel safe.

Though White said he wants to work to cut taxes, he talks about giving city workers a raise.

To help pay for that, he would drop the idea of the River Campus. Too much money has been spent on court costs for that issue already, he said.

White is currently a production worker at Essex Co., a cable producer in Sikeston, Mo. White has also invested in real estate.

"I'm a businessman," White said. "I'm also a working man. As a working person, I'm concerned about high taxes and things like that."

White grew up in Hayti, Mo., and graduated from high school there in 1978. He then attended business college in Cape Girardeau.

He has lived in Cape Girar-deau the last 22 years. He is an ordained minister and a member of the Gospel Tabernacle in Hayti.

He is believed to be the first black mayoral candidate in Cape Girardeau.

"I believe that everybody is created equal," White said. "I don't want them to vote for me because I'm black, but I hope no one doesn't vote for me because I'm black."

--Bob Miller