CAPE COUNCIL SEATS: A CHANCE TO SERVE

For everyone who has ideas on how to make Cape Girardeau a better place -- here's your opportunity.

For everyone who has complained about the way the city of Cape Girardeau has handled an issue -- here's your opportunity.

For everyone who wants to make a difference in Cape Girardeau's future progress -- here's your opportunity.

Filing has opened for Cape Girardeau municipal elections. Four council seats in Wards 1, 2, 3 and 6 and the mayor's spot are up for election April 7. (Seats held by Melvin Gateley and Melvin Kasten in Wards 4 and 5 do not expire next year.) Interested persons can file until Nov. 25.

There will be at least one new councilman. There is an open race in Ward 3 to fill the two-year unexpired term of Jack Rickard, who resigned in October.

The incumbents are running in the other wards: Tom Neumeyer in Ward 2, James "J.J." Williamson in Ward 1 and Richard "Butch" Eggimann, in Ward 6. But races are already developing in several of the wards.

Perhaps most gratifying in the early stages of this election is the fact Mayor Al Spradling III has filed for re-election. His frankness and leadership have been a breath of fresh air since his election to mayor in April 1994.

He has proven an amiable but effective leader. He's not afraid to speak his mind, nor does he shy away from criticism of the city. He works hard to find solutions to problems in order to steer the city on a progressive and steady course.

It is good to see the new local ethics standards, approved by voters last year, haven't scared away candidates.

For those with an interest in civic betterment, nominating petitions are available at City Hall, 401 Independence. Petitions must be signed by at least 50 percent of the registered voters in that particular ward.

Of course, residents must reside in the ward in which they will represent. Only the mayor is elected on a citywide basis.

The ward system continues to be a befuddlement. Neighbor can run against neighbor, but qualified people in other areas of town must wait for their ward election.

City council and mayoral elections represent democracy at our doorstep. It is a chance to stand up and be counted.