A SMOOTH COMMISSION TRANSITION

Max Stovall, who was sworn in Tuesday as a county commissioner, will have the opportunity along with the other two county commissioners to see that Cape Girardeau County takes proper advantage of its new first-class status.

In November Stovall, a retired contractor, won the commission seat from Joe Gambill, whom he almost defeated in 1994. Stovall was persistent, coming back to earn the right to represent Cape Girardeau on the commission.

Gambill, who has served admirably, will continue to work closely with the commission and has assured Stovall that he will do everything to help in the transition. Gambill, who has a long career in industrial plant management, will continue to serve on a finance committee that will work toward construction of an addition to the County Jail in Jackson. It is good to see such a spirit of cooperation between the two men. The county will be well served by it.