JACKSON MAYOR ENDS CAMPAIGN SPECULATION

JACKSON -- As the filing date for statewide office approaches, hardly a day goes by that Paul Sander doesn't hear about the District 157 seat.

Now Jackson's mayor and most famous non-candidate wants to set the record straight.

He's not filing for state representative.

"I'm very flattered that some residents have considered me as a potential candidate, and I'm also surprised at the number of people who have talked with me about it," Sander said. "But I think it's good to put these thoughts to rest."

He said Sunday he's happy serving Jackson residents as mayor and plans to run again in 1997. After serving seven years on the Jackson Board of Aldermen, he beat out 11-term mayor Carlton Meyer in the 1993 mayoral race.

Sander, 40, cited family reasons for not seeking state office. Pam, his wife of 14 years, and sons Sam, 7, and Spencer, 3, agreed that frequent trips to Jefferson city would be tough on the young family. The job requires staying in the state capital four days a week, six months a year.

Another consideration is Sander's political party. He's a Republican, as is incumbent David Schwab. Sander said there couldn't be a race without hard feelings.

But don't rule out ever seeing "Sander for Representative" signs on Jackson lawns.

"One never knows what the future holds," Sander said. "A lot of running for political office has to do with timing. You can't always pick the right time to run, but the right timing certainly helps."

Timing helped Schwab win his office -- he ran after longtime representative Marvin Proffer, a Democrat, decided not to run in 1988. Schwab campaigned hard to win a primary and then beat Jack Litzelfelner to win the seat.

He hasn't been opposed since. Schwab said Sunday that he plans to seek re-election this year and will work hard to keep his job. He will make a formal announcement sometime in the next two weeks.

"I have tried to stay in touch with the people even though I haven't had opposition," Schwab said. "I still run an aggressive campaign. We usually have some picnics around the district so I can meet with people."

Schwab said it wouldn't have upset him if Sander had decided to run.

"That's what elections are all about," he said.