Profile: Paul Koeper, Cape Girardeau County 1st District Commissioner (R)

Name: Paul Koeper

Date of birth: June 17, 1955

Place of birth: Perryville, Mo.

Spouse: Ellen S. Koeper

Children's names, ages: Chris, 27; Andrea, 25; Jessica, 23; and Jesse Sostillo, Natalie, 20.

Occupation: Civil engineer, business executive.

Employer: Penzel Construction Co.

Businesses owned, all or in part: None

Public offices held (elective or appointive): None

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: I think county voters were expecting to see more accomplished. However, I believe that the road plan got off to a slower start than expected because of the wet fall and miserable winter/spring. Those conditions make it a difficult time to start any type of road work. Although no roads were hard-surfaced last fall, some preparation work was completed and should be ready for summer paving. Our expectations will probably be reduced with the high fuel and oil prices.

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: Yes, I think a decision needs to be made. As our county continues to grow in population, housing and industry, there will be an increase in storm-water runoff and erosion. It is important to develop a storm-water program, but we have to be careful not to develop such tough policies that will discourage industry and growth. It is also important to keep a dialogue with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have jurisdiction over our major streams, and we must also work to acquire funding from federal and state agencies.

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

Answer: I am open to either the access channel or the Web site. I think it's important for the citizens of Cape Girardeau County to know the county's business and how their money is being spent.

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

Answer: I believe that further research needs to be done before a final decision is made. I believe that city leaders are doing that right now.

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

Answer: First and foremost, I want voters to know that if elected, I will retire from my present position and devote my time and energy to the job of county commissioner. All my life I have wanted to build roads and bridges, and I bring this passion, as well as more than 30 years as a civil engineer, to the job. My profession has given me the knowledge of developing budgets, estimating, constructing and completing projects. Most importantly, I have worked successfully with homeowners, major businesses and employees and have the energy, interest and desire to be a full-time commissioner. I will constantly strive to use tax dollars efficiently to eliminate waste and do what is right for the citizens of Cape Girardeau County.