AWARD TO PAUL SANDER IS WELL-DESERVED

Jackson Mayor Paul Sander received well-deserved recognition last week in the form of the R.A. Fulenwider Award by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. The award is presented annually to a Jackson citizen who distinguishes himself or herself by an unusual commitment to public service in the community.

Sander is a Jackson native and son of former Cape Girardeau County circuit clerk and commissioner Leonard Sander. The mayor praised his father, who remains hospitalized locally following a recent heart attack. Referring to his father as his mentor, Sander said, "He taught me that honesty and integrity come before anything else in public service." Sander asked the 175 people present at the installation banquet to pray for his father's recovery.

Prior to and during his service in public office, Sander has been active in civic affairs through the Jackson Elks, the chamber, the Men's Softball League and Southeast Missouri Hospital, among others. He is a past president of the Jackson chamber.

Sander has served on the board of aldermen since his first election in 1987. He was re-elected in 1989 and 1991. He was elected mayor in 1993 and re-elected in 1995 and 1997. His tenure has coincided with a remarkable period of growth and continuing progress for the city.

We join Sander's many friends in prayers and good wishes for his father's recovery and salute him for his continuing service to the community.