Cape's Ward 3 candidates speak on economy, parking, more

He thinks urban deer hunting could be an effective way to manage Cape Girardeau's deer population. She might, too, but not without an official count to prove the city's actually being overrun.

She voted for a smoking ban that was proposed last year for the city's bars and restaurants. He didn't support it, saying it was a property rights infringement on business owners.

He not only cast a ballot in favor of a new casino to be built in town, he led the campaign to persuade others to do the same. She voted for it too, but acknowledged it was a "very difficult" decision for her because she saw both sides.

When Cape Girardeau's roughly 5,000 Ward 3 voters have an opportunity to select their next city council representative Tuesday, their choice will be between Trent Summers and Ellen Dillon. During separate interviews with the Southeast Missourian last week, the two candidates expressed their views on topics that ranged from the economic climate to parking shortages and the role of government.

While their stances differed on several issues, they shared one opinion -- each thinks they're the best one for the job.

Cape Girardeau City Council Ward 3 candidate Trent Summers walks down Georgia Street in Cape Girardeau with his son Clark, 1, Saturday, March 31. Summers was canvassing the neighborhood introducing himself to potential voters. (ADAM VOGLER)

"I think one prominent area of difference is experience," said Summers, a 33-year-old account executive with Red Letter Communications. "I have 10-plus years working in government at all levels and in the private sector. I think that experience would be an asset to the city whatever the issue is."

While Summers grew up locally, he worked for several years in Jefferson City as assistant commissioner of administration for the state of Missouri and as director of environmental and regulatory affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. He served for a time as legislative director at the Department of Natural Resources. He also was employed as policy adviser under former governor Matt Blunt and as a field representative for then Sen. John Ashcroft.

Dillon, a Southeast Missouri State University instructor, pointed to her experience as well but noted that, unlike her opponent, it all has been gained here in Cape Girardeau. While Dillon is a native of Wyoming, she and her husband have lived here for more than two decades, where she has been active in the Democratic Party, as well as serving two years on the Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board. She volunteers at the Safe House for Women and Habitat for Humanity, as well as other organizations.

Dillon suggested that the years Summers spent in Jefferson City might be a detriment to providing local leadership.

"He just hasn't been here as long," said Dillon, 53. "If I moved back to Buffalo, Wyo., I wouldn't know enough to take an active leadership role. I don't have any doubt that he's totally capable. It's just that I've been here working on a variety of issues. I'm wedged into the community."

Knocking on doors

Ward 3 is in the center of the city and is home to a hospital, the Town Plaza Shopping Center, a large portion of Southeast Missouri State University, Capaha Park and four public schools. Over the past few months, the two candidates have been scouring the ward, knocking on doors along streets like Dunklin, New Madrid, Bessie, Luce and Themis. They've put up yard signs and handed out brochures. They've knocked on doors to listen to issues and to introduce themselves.

They've both also been attending recent city council meetings to get a better feel for the issues.

Summers has heard about the need for a sidewalk along Perryville Road. He's heard about rising utility bills and recycling. But one thing has dominated the conversation -- the economy.

"Government can't create jobs," Summers said. "But we can, as a government, do things to not impede the growth of the private sector. We can make decisions that have a direct impact on employers that are looking to come into our city. We also should promote the things we do have and point to our strengths when there is a potential employer."

In Dillon's conversations, people have been concerned about parking, especially in the area along West End Boulevard and near the campus. Some worry about safety. Seniors have worried that the city doesn't have enough ambulances.

"But nobody's asked me about the deer thing," she said. "That hasn't been something I've heard about. But it's such a diverse population. The demographics of the ward really represent all of Cape. There have been a variety of concerns."

The ward includes a large section of Broadway, from Kingshighway to Pacific Street. Pacific Street is the starting point of the new Broadway corridor project, which has come in under bid and was under scrutiny for removing parking spaces on one side. Business owners have also groused that they could lose business as portions of the street shut down as the work proceeds.

Both Dillon and Summers agreed the city is on the right path by dressing up one of the city's major thoroughfares. Some business owners, upset at the lost parking the plan calls for, said in January that they were unaware of several planning meetings that had been taking place. But Dillon said that was surprising.

"It's been my impression that the city really was trying to cover all the bases," Dillon said. "When they were talking about people being opposed because they didn't know about the meetings, that surprised me because I even knew about the meetings and I'm not even a business owner. ... As far as planning goes, the city engineers do a remarkable job for all they have to do."

Summers agreed that the Broadway streetscape project presents an opportunity for rebranding the downtown, which could be a catalyst for economic growth in an area that has been somewhat stagnant. But parking is important, too, he said.

"Parking as a whole is something that has to be addressed, whether it's on-street parking or in some other way," he said. "It's imperative that there's ample parking. It doesn't do any good to have a new destination if people can't access it easily and conveniently."

The streetscape is scheduled to be completed in time for Isle of Capri's new $125 million casino. Summers, who was chairman of the Yes for Gaming committee last year, believes the casino will overall be good for the city. When Summers decided to run, he knew that his role in bringing the casino to town may turn some voters off.

"But I have a record and am willing to make tough decisions that may be controversial," Summers said. "I have the ability to look at two sides of an issue and determine which is the best for the city and pursue that."

'Very difficult vote'

Dillon said she has the same ability. She voted for the casino, but it was a tough call for her. Her yes vote was based on the assumption that the city will be mindful of how it is handled. Dillon sees it as something that could be beneficial to the school system and the city from the revenue it generates.

"But that was a very difficult vote for me," she said. "I see both sides really clearly. I'm fully aware of what the concerns are on both sides. For me, if we handle it well, it will be OK."

In addition to going door to door, both candidates have been spending money. Yard signs, brochures and advertising aren't free. Dillon and Summers both filed their most recent campaign finance reports March 26 for contributions made through March 23. To date, Summers has outraised Dillon by $790, with Summers reporting $3,175 to Dillon's $2,385. For this filing period, Summers received $1,450 from seven contributors that included county Treasurer Roger Hudson ($200), state Sen. Jason Crowell ($250), Red Letter Communications ($300), banker Danny Essner ($50) and other friends.

Dillon received $1,400 this filing period and five of her most recent seven contributors were from area unions, including SEMO Central Labor Council ($200), SEMO Building Trades Council ($200), Electrical Workers Local No. 1 ($200) and others. She also received contributions from the father of a former student of her husband's and a personal friend.

The polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO