WILLIAMS HAS FOE IN PRIMARY

BLOOMFIELD -- Forrest Jackson says he doesn't have any complaints about state Rep. Marilyn Williams. He just wants her job.

"I have no gripes at all against her," said the 65-year-old Democrat from Bloomfield.

Jackson is seeking to unseat Williams, D-Dudley, in the August primary.

The winner will face Dexter businessman and Republican Larry Sandage in the November election for the 159th District seat.

The district covers most of Stoddard County and the Chaffee, Oran and Morley areas.

"I am retired now. I wanted to get involved in government," said Jackson, a longtime school superintendent.

Jackson was superintendent at several Southeast Missouri school districts over the years. He was superintendent of the Bloomfield School District from 1979 to 1984.

He officially retired in June after 10 years as superintendent of the Bay, Ark., school system.

Jackson touted his experience in school administration.

He said he understands the needs of agriculture in the rural legislative district.

Jackson grew up on a farm and worked on a farm. He also worked with farmers in his years of school administration.

Jackson said he wants to represent the people of the 159th District. "The people who know me, know they can call on me."

If he doesn't win the primary, Jackson will support Williams' re-election effort.

Williams, 43, stresses her business and agriculture background.

A former restaurant owner, she understands how government regulations affect small businesses.

She and her husband have a fish farm. She refers to the venture as aquaculture farming.

Williams, who has served in the Missouri House since winning a special election in 1991, said she devotes a lot of time to helping constituents.

She views constituent services as a key part of the job of any legislator.

Williams tries to put constituents in touch with the right state agency personnel who can help them with their problems.

"Government can make a difference and you can make a difference from knowing your district and being accessible," said Williams.

She volunteers with a literacy program, reading books to school children.

"I think it is important for kids to realize I am just like their mother. I do laundry. I do dishes. I get mad if the trash isn't taken out," she said.

Williams views herself as a conservative Democrat.

She voted against the controversial pension hike for lawmakers. The Legislature passed the measure, but it was later vetoed by Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Lawmakers need to police government at times, she said. "I think we need to concentrate on what we have on the books and what we have in place, and make sure it works properly."

The Legislature is still dominated by men. But Williams doesn't concern herself with gender.

"I just feel like I am one of the guys," she said.

Marilyn Taylor Williams

Hometown: Dudley

Age: 43

Party: Democrat

Education: Educated in the Dexter public schools, attended Three Rivers Community College and Southwest Baptist University.

Formerly owned a restaurant business. She and her husband operate a fish farm.

Elected to the Missouri House in a special election in 1991. She was elected to a full term in 1992 and was re-elected in 1994 and 1996.

She and her husband, Rick, have two sons.

Forrest Jackson

Hometown: Bloomfield

Age: 65

Party: Democrat

Education: Bachelor's degree in social science and government and master's degree in school administration at Arkansas State University.

Job history: Superintendent of the Bloomfield School District from 1979 to 1984. Recently retired after 10 years as superintendent of the Bay, Ark., school system.

This is his first run for political office.

He and his wife, Edith, have three sons.