FERGUSON, HEROD SEEK COUNTY POST OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

Although it is not a high profile office, John Ferguson and Mitch Herod see the public administrator's job as an opportunity for public service and a chance to help people who need assistance.

"It's a job that I enjoy doing," said Ferguson, a Republican seeking his second term. "After having worked four years with Southeast Missouri Mental Health, the Division of Family Services, Social Security, Community Counseling Center and other agencies, I have developed a good working rapport with them I want to continue."

Herod said most of the people served by the public administrator often do not or cannot vote, so the office serves an "indirect constituency."

Herod was chosen to run by the Democratic Central Committee in August after the candidate who had filed earlier withdrew for health reasons.

"I enjoy public life," said Herod. "I have been a Democrat as far back as I can recall, and my father has a history in the Democratic Party. It seems like a natural step for me to become involved a little more in Democratic politics."

Herod's father, Jim, has been active in the party for years and was once a top aide to former U.S. Rep. Bill Burlison.

The public administrator is paid a base salary of $4,000 a year and receives fees that are awarded by the probate court. No office space is provided by the county.

Ferguson explained that the public administrator serves as guardian and conservator. As guardian, the person accepts responsibility for making legal decisions for the individuals the court has awarded him. These duties include obtaining the least restrictive housing, medical care, signing documents, and handling any legal matters the individual assigned to the public administrator may encounter.

As conservator, it is the administrator's responsibility to take charge and manage the individual's financial affairs. The administrator collects checks paid to the individual, deposits them in their account, and pays bills.

Presently, Ferguson said he has 93 individuals under his care and handles over 600 pieces of mail and about 350 telephone calls a month.

Herod said that while the office is low profile, there are people who need the service the office provides.

"Most people had no idea there was such a position as public administrator," said Herod. "It is something not everyone knows about. Before I decided to enter, I did some research to see exactly what the job entails. It basically is working with people who are indigent, die without a will, or are declared wards of the state."

Ferguson, 58, is presently serving as associate pastor at Harmony Congregational Methodist Church in Marble Hill. He was born and raised in Southwest Missouri and has been in Cape Girardeau for his adult life.

Ferguson serves as chaplain to the Missouri State Public Administrators Association. He is a member of the legislative committee and the education and certification commission, and vice president of District 9 of the association.

He and his wife, Shirley, have two children, a son 26 and a daughter 21.

"I think at my age I've developed some maturity from having pastored in the area 25 years at a number of area churches," said Ferguson. "I think it takes a high degree of tolerance, understanding, patience, compassion, and a desire to assist folks who need help."

Herod, 33, said, "I'd like to have this position so I can have a voice in local and county politics, and really to help people out. That's what the job is all about. I believe it is a job that I can do."

Herod, a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau, is presently a graduate student at Southeast Missouri State University. He is pursuing a master's degree in history and also trying to finish a teaching certificate. Herod said he has a wide background in sales and is a musician.

"This is a job I think I will enjoy, and I think I can do a good job," said Herod. There is a lot of record- keeping involved and hands-on things helping people."