The turmoil in Cape Girardeau County government over Sunshine Law issues, fighting among commissioners and regulating growth could move beyond a debate over personality clashes to the question of whether there is a better way to run the county.

During a forum Tuesday night, the 13 candidates seeking to take over the District 1 commission seat being vacated by Larry Bock staked out positions on charter government. The candidates were joined by District 2 Commissioner Jay Purcell, who is currently unopposed but who could be facing an independent challenge. Ten candidates are running as Republicans and three as Democrats in the Aug. 5 primary. The winners meet in the November election.

The forum, sponsored jointly by the League of Women Voters and MU Extension, covered issues from road issues to candidate qualifications and trust. But a question about charter government raised a fundamental issue: Is there a way to make county government better?

Purcell said a charter government would bring better organization to the county. "If three people with equal power was an effective way to run anything, you would see businesses all over doing that," Purcell said, referring to the current three-member commission government that is used in all but the most populated Missouri counties.

Implementing a charter is difficult, requiring a signature campaign, a charter writing period and a public vote. An easier path exists, but it requires two votes -- one on the issue of writing a "county constitution" and another vote on the actual document.

Of the candidates, five said they would consider it. Republican Bill Hahs, owner of Semo Ag & Dairy, said the issue was "important to research." Rick Aufdenberg, a Tilsit farmer, said he, too, wanted to study the matter.

Republican Tom Allen, former superintendent of Delta schools, said he was unsure about a charter. And while Jackson alderman Joe Bob Baker seemed favorably inclined, he did not make a commitment. Democratic candidate Pat Wissman, a former semitrailer owner-operator, said the public would need to be involved and show support before he would consider a charter government.

Those in support, along with Purcell, included Oak Ridge contractor Jeff Hahs, a Republican, who said it would give residents more representation, and former county auditor Weldon Macke, a Republican, who said he has worked for a charter in the past.

Republican Paul Koeper, a vice president of Penzel Construction, said charter government would be more effective. And Republican Stephen Daume, a Daisy cattle breeder, said a charter would be a smart move.

For the one of the other Democrats and two Republicans, opposition to a charter was based on timing and skepticism. "A lot of people think if you go to a charter, you eliminate a problem," Marvin McMillan said. "I don't know. I don't think you do."

Rick Shultz, a Jackson businessman, said the county doesn't have the population to support charter government. And Kenneth Waldron, a Jackson businessman, said legislative action to give the county more authority would be preferable to a charter.

The third Democratic candidate, Myra Morris, said she did not know enough to take a stand.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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