Voters cast their votes on issues, local candidates

One week ago today, voters made their voices heard.

It was an election that reminded us that every vote counts.

The Cape Girardeau County use tax passed by just 13 votes, with 3,533 in favor and 3,520 against.

The vote could be challenged. Any registered voter may request a recount within 30 days, since the difference was less than 1 percent. The use tax is a tax on purchases made outside the state, such as cars.

Across the region, several school districts saw support for tax initiatives.

Voters in the Cape Girardeau School District passed a tax extension for several improvements across the district, and, most notably, for the junior high school.

Nell Holcomb School District voters approved Proposition 2, allowing for local control of the annual tax rate by eliminating the mandated Proposition C rollback.

In Advance, voters passed an initiative to support a storm shelter.

There were many local races, particularly for school boards, but the biggest local race took place in Jackson, where voters elected a new mayor. Dwain Hahs won handily over incumbent Barbara Lohr.

We would like to congratulate Hahs on his victory. Hahs, according to a story written by Tyler Graef, was raised in Jackson before spending more than 30 years in sales and management at Bausch & Lomb, which included a stint in China. Upon retiring, he moved back to Jackson and became a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce before beginning his campaign for mayor.

As for Lohr, we tip our cap to the outgoing mayor. No one has served with more pride and love for her town than Lohr. The retired teacher has served in many different capacities in Jackson over the years, including several years on the board of aldermen. Lohr said she will find time and opportunities to volunteer in her community. We wish her the best.

It always takes a fair amount of courage to run for public office. We thank each and every candidate who placed his or her name on the ballot.