FALL FESTIVAL DRAWS CANDIDATES, SUPPORTERS

Two Democratic candidates for state office who where in Cape Girardeau Saturday evening each emphasized the need for finding common ground between the needs of urban and rural constituents.

State Rep. Brian May, a candidate for state treasurer, and State Rep. Gracia Backer, a candidate for lieutenant governor, both in town to attended the Cape County Democratic Central Committee's annual Fall Festival, each said their abilities to work with people of diverse backgrounds would help them in the state offices they seek.

The Fall Festival is the annual Democratic fund-raiser, said Rick Althaus, chairman of the Central Committee. He said he expected Saturday night's banquet and dance to raise several thousand dollars for local candidates.

May, who has been a state representative from St. Louis since 1993, said in his travels through Missouri he has seen more similarities than differences between those who live in urban areas of the state and those from rural areas.

"People basically want the same things -- safe schools, job security and decent housing," May said.

The housing issue is one he would focus on since the state treasurer sits on the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

From St. Louis to Poplar Bluff, May said, people across the state have expressed their concern about access to affording housing for working families.

May said increased tax credits and more creative financing can encourage developers to build in less affluent areas to provide affordable housing.

Education is another important area influenced by the state treasurer, May said.

"Two years ago the legislature created a college savings program administered by the treasurer," he said. "We need to expand this program and bring in corporations and businesses to make education as affordable to as many Missourians as possible."

The state treasurer is responsible for investing state money, and May said he is putting together a team of investment specialists, bankers and economists to serve him as economic advisers.

May said his campaign has raised more than $150,000.

"The ability to raise money establishes you as a credible candidate," May said.

He added what is most significant is that the contributions have come from throughout Missouri.

May said his work in the Missouri House of Representatives can give voters an idea of his philosophy.

He was a cosponsor of both the Safe School Act of 1996 and the Juvenile Crime Bill of 1995. In 1997, a bill he sponsored opened lists of sex offenders' names to the public and he has pushed to have those names posted on the Internet.

"In the House, I passed more than 30 pieces of legislation," May said as a way of showing he has the ability to get things done.

"I think I've done a good job representing my district," May said. "Now I want to provide service to all Missourians."

May's announced opponents for the state treasurer's office in the August 2000 Democratic primary, are state Rep. Scott Lakin of Kansas City and former state Rep. Nancy Farmer of St. Louis. Present Missouri Treasurer Bob Holden is running for governor.

Backer of New Bloomfield also is a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, now in her 17th year, three of those as majority floor leader. Her announced opponent in the Democratic primary is state Sen. Joe Maxwell of Mexico.

Backer said she has been thinking of seeking a statewide office for a number of years. When Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson decided not to run, she said she saw her opportunity.

"The time is now to use my knowledge of state government in a statewide capacity," she said.

Backer said her time in the House has brought home to her the diversity of the state.

"I come from a town of 500 and I've been on the appropriations committee that helped develop the St. Louis convention center and Kansas City's Bartle Hall," she said. "I've learned we have to share our experiences and understanding."

Backer said the job of lieutenant governor has four main areas, all of which she has experience in.

The office is active in aging issues. Backer said she's helped pass substantial legislation on behalf of senior citizens.

The lieutenant governor sits on the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

"This is an issue of importance in both urban and rural areas because there is a shortage of affordable housing in both," Backer said.

The lieutenant governor also sits on the board of the state's tourism commission and helps promote the state's economic development.

"I understand the importance of promoting the state," Backer said. She noted that the state's tremendous growth in the last six years has been due to businesses relocating here.

"They are looking for quality of life, education and transportation," Backer said, noting the state has to concentrate on all three.

The lieutenant governor also serves as ombudsman, a liaison between constituents and government agencies and offices.

"That's what I've done for 17 years," Backer said. "I know how important it is for people to access government."

Backer has been campaigning since March 1999 and said more than 1,000 Missourians, from both rural and urban areas, have contributed to her campaign.

Backer is now chairman of the state House's fiscal review committee, which reviews every bill that has a $100,000 or more fiscal impact.

"This is an important committee because we review the impact legislation will have on the future," she said.

In the state House, Backer said, she has developed a reputation of being able to bring people together to bridge gaps.