Candidate questionnaire: Ellen Dillon

NAME: Ellen Dillon

AGE: 53

PLACE OF BIRTH: Buffalo, Wyoming

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Spouse: Rob Dillon

Children: Jeremy and Cecilia Dillon

OCCUPATION:

Instructor of Communication Studies

EMPLOYER:

Southeast Missouri State University

BUSINESS OWNED, ALL OR PART:

n/a

PREVIOUS OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT:

n/a

DO YOU SUPPORT ALLOWING URBAN DEER HUNTING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF CAPE GIRARDEAU? IF NOT, WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO MANAGE A HERD THAT SOME SAY IS GROWING TOO RAPIDLY?

I do not support urban deer hunting within the city limits of Cape Girardeau until research is done that proves that there is indeed an over-population of deer that poses a threat to both the deer and the human population in the city. I think the discussion of how to reduce the deer population is premature until that baseline has been established. As I understand it, the Missouri Conservation Department is able to provide such a baseline. If there is a proven over-population of deer and the Missouri Conservation Department has certain measures that they recommend, those recommendations should be considered carefully before making any decisions as to how to proceed.

If there is verified over-population of deer, I understand that this can pose a potential threat to the health and well-being of the deer in addition to potential economical, ecological, and health-related risks to the human population. I am not a hunter, nor do I support the random extermination of animals, but this is a complicated issue. There are alternatives to urban hunting: 1.) the introduction of natural predators (which is not appropriate); 2.) trapping and relocating (which is costly and requires a location willing to accept the additional wildlife); and 3.) birth control by sterilization or the use of immune-contraceptive drugs which can be administrated through deer-feeding stations in parks and other large areas (this varies in cost and is more useful in controlling rather than decreasing the population). The solution of limited and highly controlled bow-hunting on city-owned and privately owned large parcels of land (parks, golf courses, water companies, etc.) is the least financially prohibitive and most historically successful approach to temporarily reducing the population. But hunting alone will not solve the problem. Research shows that communities who have dealt with this problem around the country have found that other steps must be taken to control the population long-term. For example, after the initial reduction of the population, it may be desirable to begin a sterilization or immune-contraceptive drug initiative to maintain control over the population. Also, property owners (including the City) will have to take steps to reduce or eliminate access to those things that attract deer to their property (primarily food, water, and shelter). This might include covering those attractants; fencing in the property; or treating the trees, shrubs, and plants they wish to be protected. There would also have to be a ban placed on deer feeding by the general population. This does nothing but to make the problem worse.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE CITY'S ULTIMATE DECISION TO ELIMINATE PARKING ON BROADWAY TO MAKE WAY FOR A PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE? DO YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE WAY IT WAS HANDLED BY CITY OFFICIALS?

I have no problem with the city's decision to eliminate parking on Broadway in order to make way for a pedestrian promenade. I think the promenade will be beneficial to the present and future businesses in the downtown area and the residents of Cape Girardeau. This re-design will help to beautify the area and provide a new and different environment for community activities and gatherings. Now that more substantial alternative parking options are being sought to replace the parking that will be lost, I think the advantages will far outweigh any disadvantages. I have been somewhat bewildered by the complaint that the City's personnel did not adequately plan, publicize, or seek input regarding this project. I am not a business owner, but I knew far in advance of the meetings and forums that took place regarding this re-design. Procedures can always be tightened, of course, and I think City personnel have done what they can to do so.

DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS, AS YOUR PREDECESSOR DID, ABOUT WHAT THE OPENING OF ISLE OF CAPRI'S NEW CAPE GIRARDEAU CASINO WILL MEAN TO THE COMMUNITY?

When this issue was initially presented to Cape Girardeau in the late '90's I was managing a downtown business (My Daddy's Cheesecake), so I was well aware of how the presence of a casino would be of benefit to those downtown business owners. At the same time, I was an active member of one of the local churches whose pastor adamantly opposed the presence of a casino in Cape, so I understand the concerns of many in the community. The issue was and is a complicated one, but at this point in time we know that the Isle of Capri will be opening in our community within the next eight or nine months. Therefore, my concerns are in regards to how decisions will be made concerning the needs of the new major business in our community as they relate to the needs of the residents and small businesses of the city of Cape Girardeau. I think it is essential that every effort must be made to ensure that the profits and jobs resulting from the presence of the Isle of Capri stay in the city of Cape Girardeau. This means that when the City of Cape is considering issues regarding the spending of proceeds or the labor force to be used for a given project, the primary focus is placed squarely on the benefit of the residents and small businesses of the city of Cape. Cape Girardeau will only benefit from this new venture if we commit ourselves to the fortification of the schools, the work force, and infrastructure of the entire city.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST PRESSING NEED IN YOUR WARD?

Ward 3 is one of the most diverse wards in our city in addition to being one of the largest. A majority of the ward is comprised of private residences, but we also have four schools, a number of small businesses, one of the major hospitals in the City, and the largest park in the City. This makes it very difficulty to identify any one or two pressing concerns in the Ward. Around the University, parking continues to be an issue of concern for those who live in the area. In the southern end of the Ward, many have spoken to me about different personal and property safety issues. On Perry and Perryville, I hear about traffic control at two of the major intersections. And there are other issues that have been raised. If elected, my primary focus would be to ensure that the residents and small businesses of my Ward received equal consideration in the decisions made by the Council.