Scott County, City Q&A

Ward 1

JEFF CURNELL 8

Age: 44

Family: Wife, Tricia

Occupation: EMT

What have you done in your time as a councilman?

Curnell: I have tried to be active in all issues involving Scott City, particularly, I have taken it on myself to follow an issue that our fire chief mentioned recently. It involves a cross-over in the median of Interstate 55 to the south of town. As an emergency services professional he stated the need for the cross-over to save time in responding to emergencies on the interstate. I spoke with all emergency services seeking their thoughts and found it to be a worthwhile need.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

Curnell: My thoughts are to provide another avenue of travel out of Scott City to connect to Cape Girardeau from the east side of town where those residents can travel 11th Street East going north past Route N up to Route AB and have an adjoining road from AB to a street in south Cape Girardeau, eliminating some problems that occur during peak traffic or during an incident that might block access to I-55.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Curnell: I think to clean up our city would be an issue. To an outsider this city is dirty, littered with houses that are in disrepair; high grass and weeds during the summer months; dilapidated, junk automobiles. We have recently revised our ordinances that will allow us to deal with this more effectively, giving more authority to inspectors and law enforcement.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Curnell: That to me is a real issue that needs attention, but I have no idea how that can be resolved. To me the problem there is the railroad tracks being in such close proximity causing a conflict. There simply doesn't seem to be enough room to expand the interchange with the road and the tracks being so close together.

How can Scott City attract business and growth?

Curnell: Every metropolitan area relies on the business aspect to improve on its growth and economy. What can we do to attract businesses? I really don't know. I guess we could do what every other area does and offer up tax breaks and property taxes.

Ward 2, two-year term

TERRY GETTINGS 8

Age: 45

Family: Wife Sherry; sons Corey and Kyler; stepdaughter Elizabeth

Occupation: Service technician, Dakota Service Co.

Charles Klughart

Age: 28

Occupation: construction company owner

Why are you running for city council?

Klughart: I am seeking a seat on the city council with the desire to help steer the growth of the city in a positive direction to eliminate the repetitive problems that have not been dealt with and to put a voice for my generation into the city's operation.

What prior experience do you have that will help you in this post?

Klughart: I have prior council experience of five years. I did not seek re-election at that time in order to devote more time to the growth of my company.

What, in your view, is the role of the city council?

Klughart: The city ordinances put into effect by the council impact the daily lives of all residents. Most residents take for granted the services that the city provides without a thought of the city employees working 24-7 to make it all work.

Do you think the recent move toward historic preservation in the city is a good thing and what can the city do to help?

Gettings: I have never been involved in the historic part of the city. But I support any organization with a positive outlook in the city.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

Gettings: We are working with MoDOT, Rep. Lanie Black and the Scott County commissioners on a new road out of town.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Gettings: I'm concerned about the police department salaries. I would like to see police officers' salaries raised to come in line with other communities in our area.

Klughart: I feel the largest problem facing the city at this time is spreading the limited amount of money to serve the most good. With all the departments in the city everyone has wish lists for items to make their job safer, more productive or to replace worn-out equipment that is beyond its life expectancy. I want to set a plan for updating the equipment.

How can Scott City attract businesses and growth?

Gettings: I believe we have a good mayor and city council. We are working with a positive attitude towards growth of the city. I believe with all of us working in the same direction, we'll have positive growth.

Klughart: Scott City has been experiencing a resurgence in business growth. I would like the city to work closer with the Scott City Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to recruit small business and to pursue industry to build in our industrial park.

Ward 2, one-year term

JOHN CRAIL 8

Age: 46

Occupation: Self-employed contractor

Jim McCarty

Age: 56

Family: Wife Nancy

Occupation: Owner of Soups and Sweets

What experience do you have that will assist you on the city council?

McCarty: None. It will be quite a learning experience if elected.

How can Scott City attract business and growth?

McCarty: No answer at this time.

Crail: Possibly by tax incentives or bonds for building. We have the people to provide the work force, the utilities for power and the spurs for air, ground, rail or water traffic.

Do you think the recent move toward historic preservation in the city is a good thing and what can the city do to help?

McCarty: Preserving history is very important, but sometimes we have to have to decide between pouring money into old buildings of no historic value and progress.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Crail: Be very stern and positive and also make them understand that sometimes our traffic is a matter of life and death for emergency personnel to get people to the hospital. It's also causing problems for our school buses and the tankers going through town.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

McCarty: Good question. This problem has been kicked around for a long time, and I don't see how I can make much of an impact in the foreseeable future.

Crail: Convince federal transportation officials there is a need and then getting the funding. We need to proceed with this needed project to help with our traffic flow in and out of the city.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

McCarty: Attracting new business. I plan on working with the other established council members and doing what we can.

Crail: More income for the city to run it efficiently and pay for projects the city needs -- street paving, sewer projects, drainage ditches, police and fire equipment -- meaning more business growth in the industrial park, Main Street and the old Supervalu.

Ward 3, two-year term

Robert Tyler 8

Age: 61

Family: Wife Sue; one married son

Occupation: Retired

Do you think the recent move toward historic preservation in the city is a good thing and what can the city do to help?

Tyler: Historic preservation is always a good thing when it is used to move a city forward. Limited funds do hamper the ability of the city in assisting. However a city must be careful not to move in a manner to assist in what some might term a private endeavor.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

Tyler: Scott City is working with MoDOT and other governmental agencies, federal and local, to bring about a positive solution to the need for another northern route. We have some local commitments, but the Ramsey bridge project will depend heavily on state and federal funding.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Tyler: The I-55 interchange problem is somewhat on hold for now. The timing of the bridge project and the successful completion of that project will have a far greater impact on Scott City and the surrounding area.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Tyler: Attracting new business and sustaining present business is important. Planning for future growth is important. However, the biggest challenge -- and even threat -- to Scott City is the moral decay as seen currently in drug abuse. Yes, it is a very small sore, yet it cannot be tolerated. It is not what comes against the city that breaks the spirit of the city, but rather what is permitted by the people living in the city.

How can Scott City attract businesses and growth?

Tyler: Scott City is situated in a most promising location. We have ready access to a major highway, a major railroad runs through our town, the river port is being developed more and more and the airport is only across the highway. With the completion of the bridge project and the associated improvements that will follow it, many possibilities or avenues of exploration will be opened. Also, we are presently partnering with our local MAGNET to attract new businesses to our area.

WARD 3, ONE-YEAR TERM

Ron Cummins 8

Age: 40

Immediate family: Wife Annette; Children Brittney, Tyler and Paige

Occupation: Conductor for Burlington Northern Railroad and owner of Cummins Contracting

Susie Chapman

Age: 73

Occupation: Legal secretary, Lowes and Drusch law firm

Why are you running for city council?

Chapman: With my past experience in the legal field, I feel that I can have a different perspective on some things for the betterment of the city.

In what direction do you see Scott City headed in terms of growth?

Cummins: I would like to see the vacant buildings in town occupied by new businesses to help bring new jobs to our area.

What is the role of a council member in your view?

Chapman: Reflect the will of my constituents.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Cummins: I would say the traffic problem entering I-55. I would like to see MoDOT come forth with a plan to help our city with limited budgets.

Chapman: See that our streets are improved and see that we have adequate police available to patrol the streets for the safety of our families.

What experience do you have that will assist you on the city council?

Cummins: I have previously been a councilman with the city. With owning my own business, I am familiar with how budgets are utilized.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Cummins: We need to be able to provide more documentation as to the importance of creating a new interchange. We need more resources to help with our part of the funding,

Chapman: Suggest to MoDOT that it put in a new interchange for the highway at the next overpass south of Scott City that would lead east and west going to Kelso and Commerce, if it is not agreeable to pushing one at Scott City.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

Cummins: Once the city gets more industry in the Industrial Park, then our resources for financing will be better due to the increased revenue.

Chapman: Stay in touch with the highway department to put pressure on the governor to do something for providing money for the project.

WARD 4, TWO-YEAR TERM

NORMAN BRANT 8

Age: 52

Larry Taylor

Age: 57

Family: Wife, two daughters, two sons-in-law and seven

grandchildren

Occupation: Retired truck driver

Why are you running for the city council?

Taylor: I have made service a part of my life. I want to be your councilman because I believe in our system of government but I believe participation is vital. Too many times it seems like nobody wants to get involved until there are major problems. I want to be involved now and try to avoid major problems.

What do you see as a councilman's role in the city government?

Taylor: Councilmen are the voice of the people. They represent the will of the people and should always be looking out for the people's best interest.

How can Scott City attract business and growth?

Brant: One way for this to happen is to keep working with SEMO Industrial Recruitment. This has been a very valuable asset for Scott City. Another thing the city needs to do is keep our taxes at the lowest possible level.

Taylor: I think that outer road bridge is critical to this issue also. Opening up the outer road will establish greater access for business to use currently undeveloped land in our city next to the interstate. We have wonderful tracts of land available with interstate frontage. Once we open these tracts up we will find people to fill them. I would like to see a hotel or outlet mall out there. We are the last stop before getting into Cape Girardeau. We need to develop that by attracting more consumer business off the interstate bringing in out-of-the-area money and establishing in-town jobs.

Do you think the recent move toward historic preservation in the city is a good thing and what can the city do to help?

Brant: Historic preservation is not anything new for Scott City. In the '70s and '80s, I worked with Edison Shrum, Jim Burton and James Arnold on several historic projects.

Two of these projects were books on the history of the Scott City area. Most of what is known about the history of Scott City came from the work of these men. The city and myself will support any group working to preserve our past as long as they understand Scott City is made up of three towns, not just one.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Brant: The city has been working with MoDOT, the Scott County commissioners and Rep. Lanie Black on this problem. We are looking at new roads in and out of town. MoDOT has told us any new ideas would be looked at.

Taylor: We should work with MoDOT in any way possible. The outer road bridge is critical to alleviate traffic congestion. In the 30-plus years I've been driving through that main street interchange, I've seen us really outgrow it. We need it widened and we need interstate access north.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Brant: I believe our most important challenge is the age of our water and sewer lines. I will work with the mayor and council to find a solution to this problem.

What experience do you have that will assist you on the city council?

Brant: I have served on the city council more years than any other person serving at this time. I was raised in Scott City and have lived here all of my life. I believe my biggest asset is I know the people and understand Scott City is made up of three towns, not just one.

Taylor: I served in the U.S. Army for one tour of duty in Vietnam. My awards include the ARCOM and a Purple Heart. A short time after honorably completing my service I began driving for Wetterau here in Scott City. I drove over the road for t25 years and retired in 1999 a short time before Wetterau/Supervalu was closed down. I have seen first hand the loss of this major employer and I know what damage that does to families and our town.

Ward 4, one-year term

RON WORL 87

Age: 67

Family: Three children, four grandchildren

What have you done in your time on the city council?

Worl: Most projects were either completed or finishing, so I haven't done much. I have worked on a cemetery project, which is not completed yet.

What can the city do to finally see through the Ramsey Creek bridge project and provide a different mode of transportation to Cape Girardeau?

Worl: I have not been completely versed in this project yet, but I am sure I will help in any way to provide information as to what we feel will do the most good for this project and everyone that will be affected.

What is the most important challenge facing the city and how do you plan to deal with it?

Worl: Any challenge facing me and this committee I will give the best input I can based on all the information made available to me and the committee.

How should the city work with MoDOT to provide a solution to traffic congestion at the I-55 interchange?

Worl: I feel we can work with MoDOT and help to establish the best possible situation for all. We will provide all input we receive to MoDOT and they will do the same. We will face this project with a positive attitude toward achieving the best results for everyone.

How can Scott City attract businesses and growth?

Worl: By showing new business we are a town with high quality standards, positive attitudes and the willingness to provide a suitable environment for new businesses, whomever they be.

Illmo Special Road

District Commissioner

Edwin Ledure

Age: 64

Family: Wife, Lois

Occupation: Retired

Do you think the road district should be kept, or could the county provide better service?

Ledure: I don't know that the county would do any better on our roads, but the special road district could do a better job if the money were handled differently. No one in the district should have to drive on rough gravel roads full of potholes. If all money and jobs had been handled properly, all the roads would have already been blacktopped.

What are your plans if elected?

Ledure: If elected, I plan to work toward the improvement of all roads in the district and in time to have all roads blacktopped. I think that all people living in the district should be treated equally.

What experience do you have that would help you be a good commissioner?

Ledure: I feel that I could do a good job for the district because as a retired person, I have the time to devote to the job. I also run a small excavating company and I have lived on and worked a farm all my life, so I am experienced in the knowledge of how to do the repair.

Bill Zimmerman 8

Age: 71

Family: Wife Geraldine; two sons, Mark and Randy

Occupation: Retired pipe fitter

What kind of service have you provided in your time as road district commissioner?

Zimmerman: I and the other two commissioners have upgraded the roads and equipment so we can provide better service to the people in the Illmo Special Road District.

Do you think the road district should be kept or could the county provide better service?

Zimmerman: The Illmo Special Road District should be kept as is because I don't think that the county could provide any better service.

How do you respond to criticism about your service?

Zimmerman: If anyone has any questions or suggestions, I will do my best to do what is best for the road district.

What are your plans if re-elected?

Zimmerman: Our long-range plans are to have all the gravel roads black-topped within the next five years.

Terry Gettings

Age: 45

Family: Wife Sherry; sons Corey and Kyler; stepdaughter Elizabeth

Occupation: Service technician, Dakota Service Co.

Do you think the road district should be disbanded?

Gettings: I feel that it should be left up to the voters of the district.

Why are you running for commissioner?

Gettings: I'm running for commissioner position so Scott City will have someone on the board. The residents of Scott City pay 80 percent to 90 percent of the funding for the district. I feel they should have a voice in where the money is spent.

What are your plans if elected?

Gettings: My first move will be to look over the budget and see how we can hire a another employee. I feel that working only one employee is unsafe. He has to move equipment to the work site and then walk all the way back and get another piece of equipment.

What can the road district do to improve service?

Gettings: It's very hard to do. We'll need to look at what the needs of the district and then prioritize the needs into the budget.

What experience do you have that will help you as commissioner?

Gettings: I have worked in the construction field as a plumber/HVAC tech for the last 25 years, working with heavy equipment. Also, serving on the Scott City Council has help me learn about budgets and sunshine laws.

Candidates who did not return profile information

Christopher Klughart, candidate for Scott City Ward 4 councilman