Profile: Stephen Daume, Cape Girardeau County 1st District Commissioner (R)

Name: Stephen Daume

Date of birth: Sept. 13, 1968

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Shelly

Children's names and ages: Danielle, 13; Joshua, 12

Occupation: Beef production and beef genetic supplier

Employer: Self

Businesses owned: Daume Farms, Daisy (partner, manager); Deer Ridge Animal Hospital, Jackson (partner)

Public offices held: Cape County Republican committee member (elected)

Past political campaigns: None

1. Evaluate the progress of 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 county road improvement program has not met the expectations of voters because very few improvements were made last year.

2. Should the county 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 philosophical opposition?

Answer: I support the intent of the storm-water control ordinance to control storm runoff and thus protect landowners downstream. I think the ordinance should include provisions to allow for off-site development of water detention basins in the same drainage area and encourage cooperation with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) or other government agencies which might have cost share money available to offset the total cost of development. I suspect the only person we currently have on staff qualified to inspect structures is the county engineer. The ordinance refers to an administration officer or county floodplain manager for inspection and enforcement.

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

Answer: Commission meetings should be made available on the Web. In addition, the county Web site should be improved to facilitate information transfer between the public and government officials.

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

Answer: I understand Cape Girardeau's concern that areas adjacent to the city meet minimum standards for development. It will be important that county government moves forward to work with the cities of both Cape Girardeau and Jackson to insure that we meet the need for orderly growth and expansion while protecting property rights of rural landowners.

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

Answer: I am the best candidate for the position because of my diverse background, education, communication ability, reputation and history of servant leadership. In addition, I have no ties or affiliation with current county or city politicians or with businesses that could create conflicts of interest while conducting county business.