STAGE SET FOR APRIL CITY ELECTION; ONLY 9 PERCENT GO TO THE POLLS

The stage is set for April's municipal election in Cape Girardeau as voters in Wards 2 and 6 selected their candidates Tuesday.

With a turnout of only about 9 percent of registered voters in the two wards, Tom Neumeyer secured the most votes in Ward 2, and Richard "Butch" Eggimann led the three-man field in Ward 6.

Those candidates who finished second in the wards and will join Neumeyer and Eggimann in the April 5 general election are Brenda Dohogne in Ward 2 and Jay Knudtson in Ward 6.

Neumeyer finished with 142 votes and Dohogne had 101. Joseph Sampson finished a distant third with 20 votes.

In Ward 6, Eggimann had 145 votes to Knudtson's 113. The third candidate, Dennis Dobson, finished with 40 votes.

Cape Girardeau County Clerk Rodney Miller blamed the low voter turnout Tuesday on confusion over the city's first ward election.

"A lot of the election workers said people at the polls just didn't understand who they were voting for or where to vote," said Miller. "I expected a low turnout, and we're looking at 8 or 9 percent.

"But I've seen a local election before with only 7 percent, so it could have been worse."

Regardless, Tuesday's winners were pleased with the results.

"I'm very excited with the prospect of the April run-off," said Neumeyer of 25 S. Lorimier. "I've got a lot of confidence in the people in the downtown area and neighborhood. Hopefully, this shows they have a lot of confidence in me."

Eggimann said he thought Tuesday's inclement weather also affected turnout.

"I was disappointed with the low turnout, but I appreciate the people who did come out," he said.

Knudtson said he was "humbled" by the support he received.

"The message from the people in Ward 6 was that they believe in me, but it's clear my work's not over," he said. "This was the semi-final playoff game, and I've gotten through this one. Now my work really starts."

Dohogne said she expects a much higher turnout in April, when a Ward 1 race and a mayoral race also will be on the ballot. A statewide vote on riverboat gambling also will be on the April ballot.

"I'm delighted to make it to the general election, but there's a lot of hard work ahead," Dohogne said. "I think I just need to go door to door more, and introduce myself to more people.

"I'm going to give it my best."

All the candidates agreed that the general election will be a "clean race" that will focus on a multitude of issues.

"A candidate with tunnel vision wouldn't have a chance of making it in this ward," said Neumeyer of the diverse population that comprises Ward 2. "My strategy will be to continue to solicit input from people in the ward."

Eggimann said he will continue educating Ward 6 voters about his candidacy while gleaning their views on city issues that affect them.

"I hope to come through with new, creative ideas for me and my campaign," he said. "I'm still aware that people in Ward 6, and all the wards, have some major concerns."

Knudtson said he's looking forward to the general election campaign, which will "further define" the candidates.

"As the issues are addressed, the campaign can become a campaign of the character and quality of the candidates, instead of only what they're going to do about a few specific issues," he said.

Knudtson said he welcomes the opportunity for a forum where all the candidates can field questions about city issues.

The city council hopefuls met Tuesday afternoon in such a forum with the Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance. Knudtson urged other groups in the area to sponsor similar events.

Dobson and Sampson were gracious in defeat.

"You've got to have a winner and a loser," said Sampson. "I enjoyed the opportunity to run, and hope to run again someday."

Dobson added: "It was a learning experience for me and a lot of fun. I was able to meet a lot of really nice people in Cape."