WHITE AND SMITH FACE OFF IN STODDARD CLERK RACE

BLOOMFIELD -- Stoddard County Clerk Don White is facing his first opposition in a general election since assuming the position 12 years ago.

The Bloomfield Democrat will be opposed by Puxico Republican Sanford (Sandy) Smith in Tuesday's voting.

This has been a campaign without issues, White says, though he notes that Smith has made references to wanting to provide voters with a full-time county clerk.

White says he has been a full-time clerk who has improved the county's vote-counting system through computerization. "We now have locked security boxes and the votes are counted at the clerk's office rather than the precincts," White said.

"It's speedier and there's more confidence in it."

Smith says he would be willing to help train election officials and would welcome county residents to observe the voting tabulations if he is elected.

He also referred to White's work routine.

"The biggest change I would say from the present if I am elected is I would be a full-time county clerk," Smith says. "People would be able to find me."

White is a lifelong resident of Stoddard County who had a laser grading business and was a salesman for Monarch Feed before he became county clerk.

He said he has enjoyed serving Stoddard County. "I'm hoping people still show confidence in me and leave me here another term," he said.

Smith operates a Western wear manufacturing company in Puxico. In his first run for political office, he has conducted a door-to-door campaign he says has reached about 90 percent of the households in the county's cities.

But he acknowledged it's an uphill fight to beat a Democrat in Stoddard County. "We are definitely an underdog."

Don White

Democrat

Bloomfield

Age: 58

Education: Bernie High School

Work history: Previously had a laser grading business and was a salesman for Monarch Feed.

Political offices: Served six years on Bernie Board of Education. Now completing third term as county clerk. He was elected in 1987.

Spouse's name: Cleta

Children: Robin, Kevin and Darrin, with three grandchildren.

Sanford (Sandy) Smith

Party: Republican

Hometown: Puxico

Age: 44

Education: Puxico High School

Work history: He was in the mobile home business for 13 years and has owned SanDee Western Wear for eight years.

Political offices: None

Spouse's name: Delitha

Children: Shaun