Profile: Bill Hahs, Cape Girardeau County 1st District Commissioner (R)

Name: Bill G. Hahs

Date of birth: Dec. 10, 1950

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Cynthia (Beauchamp) Hahs

Children's names, ages: Tammy 36; Josh 26

Occupation: Ag business owner

Businesses owned, all or in part: Semo Ag & Dairy

Public offices held (elective or appointive): Cape Girardeau County Road and Bridge Advisory Board.

Past political campaigns including year and office sought: None

1. Evaluate the progress of the county road improvement program. Has it met the expectations of voters who approved the sales tax in August 2006? If not, why not?

Answer: No. Lack of action and progress; inconsistency in the policy approved and implemented by the commissioners.

2. Should the county commission enact the storm-water control ordinance that has been under consideration for the past several years? If yes, how should it be enforced? If no, are you opposed because of particular provisions in the ordinance or because of a philosophical opposition?

Answer: Ultimately, the taxpayers should determine the course we should take. The incorporated areas should handle their own situation.

3. Should county commission meetings be broadcast on the Web or on public access cable TV? Explain.

Answer: I am not fundamentally opposed to access by the public through these mediums. However, before we spend a significant sum to provide this, let's expand to a night commission meeting format and let taxpayers state their preferences.

4. How do you feel about the city of Cape Girardeau's discussions of peripheral zoning?

Answer: Before the city of Cape Girardeau enacts these measures, the interests and impact to the involved landowners must be considered. The issue needs study/discussion.

5. What makes you the best candidate for the position?

Answer: I am an experienced equipment operator that has built and maintained roads. I am an experienced business owner with customers in three states.

I fully understand the impact and consequences of taxes on each of us and the necessity to tax and spend our money wisely, fairly and prudently. I am a family man. I will be a full-time employee of the taxpayers of Cape Girardeau County, and I will always be available 24/7 to listen to you.