Cape Girardeau County Associate Commissioner District 1: Paul Koeper

Name Paul Koeper

Date of birth 6-17-55

Place of birth perryville mo

Spouse, children's names

Wife Ellen, Son Chris, Daughters Andrea Beggs, Jesse Sostillio, And Natalie Koeper. 5 grandchildren. Jordan , Isabella, Carmella and Ely Sostillio ,and Mason Weber

Occupation District One Cape Girardeau County Commissioner

Education

K-12 St. Vincent School, Perryville Missouri. BS Civil Engineering University of Missouri -Rolla(Missouri Science and Technology)

Employer Cape Girardeau County

Businesses owned, all or part none

Public offices held or sought; give dates

District One Commissioner Cape Girardeau county

What are the major challenges facing Cape Girardeau County?

Currently we are holding courts in the 160 year old Common Pleas and the 110 year old County Court House. The citizens of this county have provided us the funding source to provide a centrally located courthouse next to the county jail, providing several courtrooms, safety and meeting current ADA requirements. This building will consolidate the 2 courthouses into one, allowing the movement of prisoners from the jail to courtroom in a safe manner.

How would you ensure the county stays fiscally stable?

The County Commissioners approve the county Budget including The county all County elected office holders budgets, highway department, jail, buildings, parks, emergency Management and IT. Expenditures and revenues are reviewed monthly, keeping budgets balanced. The county office holders prepare their budgets for the commission and are very frugal with their spending, only spending 90-95% of their budgets. The county also has reserve funds set aside In the event of a major catastrophe.

Are there any specific actions you think the county can take to encourage job growth?

Infrastructure is very important to any economy. Roads, bridges and our SEMO Port are very important to making our local economy grow. Working with MoDOT,county highway department and the Port director to ensure the roads are kept up and planning for the future. I believe Our schools should be encouraged to provide more technological courses for the students, which will encourage new industries and businesses to relocate or expand in our community.

Closing remarks

I would like to thank the citizens of Cape County for allowing me the opportunity to serve as County Commissioner for the past 7 1/2years. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of people in our county and state, currently serving on several boards on the state level. I have a lot to offer in the planning and construction of our new courtroom facility and would appreciate your vote on August 2.