YOUNGHOUSE LEAVES COMMISSION WITH NO REGRETS

E.C. Younghouse doesn't regret his decision seven years ago to seek political office. And he doesn't regret his decision not to seek re-election.

He leaves, satisfied his service to the Cape Girardeau County Commission was worthwhile and helped strengthen the county's sound financial condition.

"The main thing is I felt like I had a part in preserving what previous commissioners had worked so hard to save for the county," the soft-spoken Younghouse said. "I did not help blow it away or get rid of the money. I felt like that was a good accomplishment."

Younghouse had given little thought to politics until several years ago.

In early 1988, when Associate Commissioner J. Ronald Fischer was hired to be city manager in Cape Girardeau, Younghouse decided to seek an appointment from Gov. John Ashcroft to fill the vacancy.

He never dreamed he would get into politics before his appointment, but he had been chairman of the county park board and had tried to build things up in the park.

He won a full two-year term in 1988, was elected without opposition in 1990 and then won by a big margin in 1992.

The 2nd District includes most of the Cape Girardeau, and the commissioner from that district is responsible for overseeing county buildings and parks.

During his commission tenure Younghouse helped bring a Missouri Department of Conservation regional headquarters to the county's North Park. That also involved leasing some land to the department, where a nature trail was built to make use of a natural area in the park.

Early last year he helped complete a deal to buy an additional 25 acres adjacent to the South Park, which he proudly says was "a once in a lifetime opportunity for the county."

Without quick action, the land could have been sold to a private developer and future park expansion cutoff.

A holiday light display, which was started with a dozen displays during his time on the park board, is another accomplishment of Younghouse.

Working with the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts, Park Superintendent Chet McCain and park employees, the project has grown to more than 100 displays this year.

Younghouse has overseen repairs and maintenance in all county-owned buildings, including new roofs for both courthouses.

Although he will miss his commission duties, Younghouse doesn't anticipate much idle time. He still operates Younghouse Distributing Co. with his sons Fred, Dan and Rob, and is active with Trinity Lutheran Church, the Evening Optimist Club, the Mercantile Bank board and other groups. He also manages some commercial real estate property.

But at 67, Younghouse looks forward to cutting back his role in the business, so he and his wife, Mildred, can travel and enjoy life.

He also looks forward to re-acquainting himself with the art of bass fishing next spring, something he hasn't had time for since joining the county commission.

Other hobbies like photography and collecting stamps and paperweights will also keep him occupied.

But even with a full agenda awaiting him in retirement, Younghouse admits he's more sad than glad.

"I will abruptly quit seeing all these people I look forward to seeing at Jackson," he said.

"I have enjoyed my job and have enjoyed working with people in the courthouse and around the county," he said.

And, he hopes he contributed a little bit to making this county run a little better."