JACKSON - With Cape Girardeau County moving closer to 1st class county status, Lonnie Moore believes his age and experience would be an asset as the county moves toward that transition.

So, the 42-year-old county resident has filed as a Republican candidate for associate commissioner from the 1st District.

"This is not an overnight decision," said Moore Saturday from his home near Millersville. "I have thought about this for a considerable number of years and feel that now is a good time to run. I feel because of my age and energy I am an excellent candidate.

"I feel our county is fast approaching the time to become a 1st class county and we need a commissioner in the 1st District more responsive to the entire needs of the county," added Moore.

"I'm not saying roads and bridges are not important, but we must have a commissioner that looks at all aspects of county government."

Some areas Moore said he would focus on, in addition to roads and bridges, are implementation of county zoning, law enforcement, working with the 911 committee as it implements a countywide emergency telephone system, agriculture, and working to bring new industry to the county.

"I think we're headed in the right direction, but we cannot let our guard down. We must work hard in order to continue to thrive."

Moore was born and raised in Cape Girardeau County, and for the last four years has had his own business, Lonnie Moore's Insurance and Bail Bonds. Prior to starting that business, he worked six years as an investigator for the sheriff's office.

Moore said many people do not realize the growth that is occurring in areas of the county. He noted that in the last year, more building permits have been issued in the county than in the cities of Cape Girardeau or Jackson.

That growth makes countywide zoning and strong law enforcement even more important, he contends.

Moore also said that he believes Sheriff Norman Copeland is doing a good job, and that the committees that have worked on drafting a zoning plan have worked hard and been successful in coming up with a sound package.

Moore and his wife Sue live on a family farm and are members of the First Baptist Church of Millersville. He is a Vietnam veteran and a member of the American Legion and VFW.

In the August primary, Moore will face incumbent Leonard F. Sander, who is seeking a ninth two-year term. One Democrat, George Cox, has filed for the seat.

Moore contends he has nothing against Sander and is running for the office, rather than against the officeholder. "I have no personal vendetta against Leonard at all," he declared.

"I have been in this county for the vast majority of my life and feel fortunate to have a county like Cape Girardeau County to live in," said Moore. "We should feel fortunate to be where we are right now as a county and should strive to continue that so we are not getting stagnant or regressing."

The 1st District includes all of Jackson, the out-county area, and Ward 17 in the city of Cape.