Profile: Tom Allen, Cape Girardeau County 1st District Commissioner (R)

Name: Tom Allen

Date of birth: June 21, 1951

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau

Spouse: Tandra

Children: Tara Wortmann (31) and husband Matt; Tori Mirly (30) and husband Dave, two children, Luke, 5, Drew, 3

Occupation: Retired, school administration

Public offices held (elective or appointive): Superintendent, Delta School District

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: In visiting with a number of residents that live on county roads I have found a variety of responses concerning the county road improvement program. The summary from what I have found would be that the individuals that have had their road paved are mostly pleased and the people still waiting or in some type of limbo are not happy. In many cases there seems to be a lot of "misunderstanding" in what would or would not be accomplished. Misunderstandings must be illuminated and understanding of the "policies" needs to be crystal clear and these policies need to be adhered to without exception.

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: A storm-water control system would seem to be a beneficial addition to the county. I would certainly entertain a study, with public input, into an ordinance concerning storm-water control. Having not seen the present proposal nor heard from interested residents I cannot comment on present ordinance.

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

Answer: The broadcasting of commission meetings would tend to enhance public understanding and should instill a greater degree of trust for county commissioners. From the standpoint of trust and understanding I would consider this form of communication to the county residents.

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

Answer: I can understand that any city would want possible future annexations to be "up to code" prior to being absorbed. Peripheral planning could enhance this area. I can also understand that many in this two-mile zone would want no restrictions on their property. Before I could support any type plan, all areas would need to be researched, plans written clearly. I would want to represent the residents in my district by obtaining their input before making any decisions.

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

Answer: My background as superintendent of Delta R-V Schools has given me an opportunity to gain experience in working with budgeting, bidding of projects, working with legislators, operating under state statutes, and spending taxpayers' money in the most efficient manner possible. I have also experience in making employment personnel decisions for the best interest of staff, students and residents of the school district.

As chairman of Greater Missouri Educational Trust (an insurance consortium for a number of school districts), I gained invaluable experience in bidding, managing, dealing with patrons that can be obtained only by hands-on experience.

I am a people person — have never met a stranger and have worked well and effectively with all whom I have been in contact.

I have worked with a high degree of common sense and have been able to put my feelings aside (when I differed on a subject) to work for the good of the majority. I would do my very best to continue this type work habit if elected county commissioner.

My children and grandchildren reside in Cape Girardeau County, giving me additional motivation to see Cape Girardeau County flourish and become a model for the state of Missouri.