Sandfort plans to run for Cape Girardeau County Commissioner against Purcell

Maurice "Moe" Sandfort announced Friday that he plans to run for associate commissioner in Cape Girardeau County District 2 against incumbent Jay Purcell.

"I have been interested in government for my entire career and believe my experience in banking will aid me in working with businesses and county government to encourage economic development," Sandfort said in a news release.

Sandfort is retiring at the end of the year from his position as community bank president of The Bank of Missouri, after 47 years in the banking industry. He filled executive roles at banks in St. Charles, Mo., Columbia, Mo., Cape Girardeau and West Plains, Mo., before returning to the area in 2005.

He said by phone Friday that he believes he will bring strong financial expertise to the commission, an area he believes could be improved in county government.

Sandfort, who has not previously held elected office, plans to run as a Republican.

Purcell was not immediately available for comment Friday afternoon.

Up for election in 2012 will be the associate county commissioners in districts 1 and 2, the sheriff, assessor, treasurer, public administrator and coroner.

Filing for county elections begins at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 and ends at 5 p.m. March 27.

salderman@semissourian.com

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