County public administrator race reaches double digits

The list keeps growing for what has become the most sought after job in Cape Girardeau County government, with Sunday's announcement from nurse and local GOP leader Lisa Reitzel pushing the number of public administrator hopefuls to 10.

And the list could get lengthier as early as today, if Cape Girardeau City Councilwoman Debra Tracy decides she wants to run for the job, too.

Reitzel's decision follows nine others, including two new arrivals late last week -- Julie Metzger, a social worker with 25 years experience and Tammy Sladek, the woman who has served in the office's number two spot for nearly a decade.

With the filing period not set to open until Tuesday, the public administrator's race has garnered the most attention and some have said that they wouldn't be surprised if the final tally tops 15.

Tammy Sladek

Outgoing Public Administrator Phyllis Schwab set the frenzy in motion last month when she announced she would not seek re-election to the post that pays $72,000 a year to serve as the legal guardian for the county's roughly 150 residents who have been deemed unfit to care for themselves.

Reitzel, who lives in Whitewater, sent out a news release late Sunday evening announcing her intentions to run. A graduate of Wesley College, she also holds an associate degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University.

She has worked in a nursing home and she currently is employed at Silver Springs Surgery Center.

"I am committed to providing 100 percent of myself to serve the people," Reitzel said. "First and foremost, I want to ensure the wards rights and protect them in every aspect of their lives -- physical, emotional, financial and otherwise."

Lisa Reitzel

Reitzel also brings the most political clout to the race. Her release included comments of support from several prominent Republicans, including Reps. Wayne Wallingford of Cape Girardeau and Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, Mo.

She has been heavily involved with the local GOP since 2004, including serving as the county coordinator for Sen. Roy Blunt, a Delta precinct committeewoman and vice president of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Women's Club.

But the other most recently declared candidates are promising to work hard to get their message out to voters. Metzger and Sladek, for example, said last week that their resumes make them a perfect fit for the job.

Metzger is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked as the social services manager at SoutheastHEALTH since 2001. Sladek has worked for nearly 10 years as Schwab's court-appointed deputy.

"So often individuals are not able to speak for themselves and they deserve protection, advocacy and support," Metzger said.

Metzger, who has a bachelor's and master's in social work, said her job at the hospital has caused her to work closely with public administrators over the years. As a social worker, she has counseled people about medical choices, end-of-life decisions and helped them navigate what is often a confusing health care system. As a department head, Metzger said, she has developed management and budgeting skills, which she calls a "good mix" for the public administrator job.

"I have always wanted to serve people and help them reach their full potential," she said. " ... I have excellent counseling and management skills and am an organized individual. I will respect my client's privacy, protect their physical and financial well being and manage the resources of Cape Girardeau County in a professional and businesslike manner."

But Sladek says she brings something to the table that none of the other candidates can -- actual experience working in the office of public administrator doing some of the things the job requires.

Sladek, a former certified nursing assistant and banker, says she has already developed relationships with some of the county's wards.

Sladek also knows how to navigate the system, whether it's the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs, she said. She's sat in on care plans with nursing home staff and helped Schwab take care of the financial part of the job -- writing checks, balancing statements and the like.

Sladek's current position pays her $24,168.

"If I'm fortunate enough to win the election, I can carry on with what I'm doing," Sladek said.

People become wards after a judge in probate court -- locally it's Scott Lipke -- declare them to be mentally incapacitated and incapable of making informed decisions without the risk of harm. The judge then appoints the public administrator as their guardian.

Those who want the job will no doubt have a struggle to distinguish themselves. Almost all of the declared candidates have little or no political experience. One with campaign experience, Debra Tracy, said last week she is considering running for public administrator or the 147th District House seat.

In addition to the three newest additions, other Republicans who have said they will file include Janet Niedbalski, Kim Kelly, Helen Jackson, Kenny Loos, Linda Nash and Scott Schnurbusch. Democrat Mary Cotner also says she will file.

The primary date is Aug. 7 and the two survivors from each political party will face each other in the Nov. 6 general election.

smoyers@semissourian.com

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