Hopkins gains ground in Cape mayor campaign fundraising

Former city councilman Matt Hopkins raised more than twice as much money over the past month as rival Harry Rediger in the campaign for Cape Girardeau mayor, but Rediger retained a large advantage in money on hand.

Hopkins took in $3,005 from Jan. 22 to Feb. 20, the period covered by reports filed this week with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Rediger reported raising $1,355 in the same period.

Rediger's advantage in available funds put him at almost five times the bank balance of Hopkins's funding. Rediger reported having $17,191, while Hopkins had $3,742 available Feb. 20.

After raising a total of more than $28,000, Rediger said he will concentrate on persuading voters that his resume of community and civic service qualifies him to lead the city over the next four years.

Harry Rediger

"I think we pretty well have our road map in front of us with the DREAM Initiative, the Comprehensive Plan and the new zoning ordinance completed," Rediger said. "Our marching orders as I go into this are pretty well set."

Rediger is a retired businessman who managed the J.C. Penney store in Cape Girardeau. He has served on numerous governing boards, including the Saint Francis Medical Center and the United Way boards, and is a member of the Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission.

Hopkins, an account representative for Technology and Networking, represented Ward 5 on the Cape Girardeau City Council from 2000 to 2008. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The period covered by the reports included the Feb. 2 primary election, when Rediger and Hopkins were chosen to compete in the April 6 election. Rediger reported spending $3,016 during the period, most of it for advertising and mailing brochures. Hopkins spent $1,512 on printing and advertising.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.