BANKER MAY RUN FOR MAYOR

Banker and park board chairman Jay Knudtson says he may run for mayor of Cape Girardeau next year.

Knudtson said Thursday that a number of civic leaders have encouraged him to run for the $150-a-month job, including Mayor Al Spradling III whose eight years in office end in April.

Spradling is in his second and final four-year term as mayor. Under the city charter, council members and the mayor can serve no more than two consecutive full terms.

Knudtson, 37, said he is "leaning" toward running for mayor and hopes to make a final decision as early as August.

The filing period opens Oct. 23 and ends Nov. 20. If more than two candidates file for mayor, a primary will be held Feb. 5. The general election is April 2.

"Things are moving at a fast pace right now given the support I am getting from some key leaders," Knudtson said.

Councilman Tom Neumeyer has considered running for mayor. "Nothing is being ruled out at this point," Neumeyer said.

Spradling said Knudtson would make a good mayor. "I think he has a good sense of what needs to be done around here."

Anyone who wants to be mayor has to be able to balance their mayoral duties with their business and family responsibilities, he said.

Knudtson has served on the city park board for nine years, the last seven as chairman. He also chairs a foundation, which raises money to improve the parks.

"I love the city of Cape Girardeau," said Knudtson. "I have had numerous opportunities to leave, but I can't think of anything that would move me out of here."

He and his wife, Cindy, have a 7-year-old son, Gunnar, who is active in youth baseball and youth hockey. Knudtson is athletic minded and loves to ride his motorcycle.

Said Knudtson, "I want to preserve the quality of life for my family and the citizens of Cape Girardeau. I want to carry on the tradition and culture that Mayor Spradling and the current council have created."

The mayor is the only member of the city council elected at large. The councilmen are elected by ward.

With such diverse representation, Knudtson said it is important for the city to have a mayor that unites people. "I do believe that I unite people. I do believe that I have strengths in leadership," said Knudtson, who has lived in Cape Girardeau since 1989.

Knudtson is a senior vice president at the Bank of America.

Jay Crosnoe serves on the park board with Knudtson. "He is a good guy," said Crosnoe. "He gets a lot of things done."

Knudtson is a "take-charge" individual, Crosnoe said. "He is sometimes overpowering."

Knudtson ran unsuccessfully for a Ward 6 council seat in April 1994, losing to Richard "Butch" Eggimann 918 to 754.

Eggimann said Thursday that Knudtson has done a good job as chairman of the park board. "I think he would make a good candidate," Eggimann said.

Requirements for mayor

* Must be a registered voter in Cape Girardeau.

* Must be at least 21 years of age.

* Must have resided in the city at least four consecutive years immediately prior to being elected.

Source: Cape Girardeau City Charter