Profile: Jeff Hahs, Cape Girardeau County First District Commissioner (R)

Name: Jeff L. Hahs

Date of birth: Jan. 4, 1955

Place of birth: Kansas City, Mo.

Spouse: Anita K. Hahs

Children's names, ages: Adam, 24; Austin, 19

Occupation: Self-employed general contractor

Employer: JLH Construction

Businesses owned, all or in part: JLH Construction 100 percent

Public offices held (elective or appointive): 18 years (elected 6 terms) Oak Ridge R-VI Board of Education; elected president of Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) 1999-2000.

Past political campaigns including year and office sought: Oak Ridge Board of Education: 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2002.

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: the progress of the county road improvement program has been slow but moving forward. The formation of the Road and Bridge Advisory Board, and their orientation, took time but they have made recommendations to the commission. The taxpayers of the county would rather their money be spent wisely than quickly. Most if not all of the people I have talked with across this county would rather see the rights of way acquired, the roads widened, and short sight distance corners and intersections corrected, and a good rock base put down for a year or two until the surface can be properly paved with asphalt. Dust-control measures of soybean oil or other products could be used until a road can be paved. The majority of the voters are not in favor of chip and seal, and they feel too much money is being spent on "test roads." Chip and seal may begin with a base for future asphalt, but the freezing and thawing that occurs in our area will create potholes that will require patching and we will end up with a road that is rougher than a graded chat covered road.

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: Storm-water retention is needed where a great deal of paving takes place. Farmers are faced with trying to control erosion constantly by leaving drains in grass and not overtilling. Developers need to use correct practices to control storm water. Out-county landowners need to be responsible and control storm water on their own, without the county telling them how. Land ownership requires responsibility.

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

Answer: I believe the meetings should be broadcast on the Web or on public-access cable TV. However, only open session meetings should be broadcast. If a closed session is called, then all transmissions and recordings should stop. I also think that at least one meeting per month of the eight regular scheduled meetings should be held in the evening where working people can attend, bring their points, ideas, and concerns direct to the commission provided they fall within the agenda and are presented in a positive and cordial manner. The commission should be open to the people. These avenues of communication will aid that goal.

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

Answer: Peripheral planning presented by the city of Cape Girardeau with a two-mile area past the city limits is a gross expansion of authority. I understand the city's thought process in having developments meet their city specifications. But developments that are next to the current city limits and are approved for annexation by all concerned should meet city specs so those homes and businesses can use city utilities. Asking for anything not adjoining their current city limits to be "city spec approved" is pushing the county commission aside. There was a lot of time spent on a county planning and building code, but it was severely defeated. I will always respect the right of land owners to be able to use their land as they see fit. But for our county to grow, develop and attract new residents, we need to project a clean, healthy and responsible ownership of our property.

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

Answer: I feel I am the best candidate for the position because of my 18 years of elected public service to the Oak Ridge R-6 School District Board of Education where I learned first to be a good listener and second to find consensus through compromise. I will be accountable, visible, and accessible to the people of Cape Girardeau County with a full-time common-sense commitment to the office.

I have worked with large budgets, hired and terminated personnel, and worked with other entities to find common ground on issues to move the agenda forward. Serving nine years on my local bank board has given me an insight on finances that can only enhance my service on the commission. I have worked construction all of my adult life. I have built roads, bridges, culverts, and have seen firsthand their practical applications to their surrounding area. I have dealt with landowners, easements, erosion control, codes, inspectors, as well as reviewed contracts and specifications for many projects. As a general contractor, I know about small business and its importance to our county. In all of these endeavors, I have strived to treat everyone like I would want to be treated, with respect and dignity.

I know I won't have all the answers to the difficult situations that will confront our county as it continues to grow, but I do know there are many great minds who can offer ideas and possible solutions. I will represent the people of this county. Their voice will be heard through me as we access needs and strive to improve the quality of life for all the people of Cape Girardeau County. I have worked my entire adult life to acquire the skills needed to handle the position of 1st District commissioner. I have the energy and enthusiasm to take on this new challenge.