Cape businessman Wicks first to file for council seat

Cape Girardeau businessman Stan Wicks filed this week as a candidate for the Ward 3 city council seat.

Wicks, who operates a general maintenance company, said he wants to help his neighborhood, located in the central part of the city. He is the first person to file as a candidate for the election.

"I have a business and a home and my rental houses in this ward," he said.

Wicks, who stresses his business background, suggested some changes are needed in the city's fence regulations. He wants to put the responsibility of meeting city regulations on contractors, not homeowners.

Filing began Tuesday to fill two vacant seats -- Wards 3 and 4 -- on the city council. The filing period ends on Jan. 18.

Ward 3 councilman Jay Purcell and Ward 4 councilman Hugh White resigned, prompting the vacancies.

The city will hold a special election in April. If a primary is needed in either or both wards, it will be held in April and a general election in that ward or wards will be held in June.