SMITH CHALLENGING YOUNGHOUSE FOR HIS SEAT ON COMMISSION

The two candidates running for 2nd District associate commissioner in Cape Girardeau County are both focusing on their experience to do the job.

Republican E.C. Younghouse, who was appointed to the commission in February 1987 when J. Ronald Fischer resigned to become Cape Girardeau city manager, points to his 49 years of business experience and the knowledge he has gained from having served on the commission.

Democrat Lanny Smith believes his 11 years experience in construction and 16 years in the environmental health profession, including 13 years as the Cape Girardeau health officer, provides a strong background for the duties the 2nd District commissioner performs.

The 2nd District is made up of all of Cape Girardeau except Ward 17. The commissioner from the district is responsible for overseeing county buildings and grounds, parks, and the data processing department.

"I've enjoyed the years I've been on the commission," said Younghouse. "We have ongoing projects in the county park and are constantly trying to upgrade it." He said completion of a regional headquarters by the Missouri Department of Conservation in the park is one example of the improvements that have been made by working with other agencies.

"I have also tried to take care of all buildings the county owns," said Younghouse. "It is a little unusual for a county to have two courthouses, but we do have and they have to be maintained. We are constantly trying to take care of all the property, and in the case of the courthouses, we are trying to maintain the historic values in the buildings, too."

Smith, making his first bid for public office, said his construction and health background equip him to handle the job.

"I feel like I can be an asset to the commission," said Smith. "It is time for a change. I'm well qualified to do the job: I feel my background in business, engineering, and public health will enable me to perform the duties of the county commission in a professional manner."

Although roads and bridges are directly supervised by the 1st District commissioner, Smith said he has some knowledge of bridge building that could assist the commission.

As he campaigns, Younghouse emphasizes the strong financial condition of the county and his commitment to keep it that way.

"We are in very good fiscal condition, if not the best; one of the top ones in the state of Missouri," said Younghouse. "We have been able to hold our taxes down considerably and rely exclusively on the sales taxes to take care of our general revenue needs.

"I hope to continue to help the rest of the commission keep Cape County in the same strong condition it has been in the last several years."

Both candidates are cautious about the county planning and zoning issue that voters will decide Tuesday.

Younghouse has supported efforts to put a zoning plan into effect, but admits the issue is controversial and may need some modifications. "The voters asked us to place it on the ballot, and that's what we have done," said Younghouse.

Smith said he sees the need for some zoning in the county but, "I will work for equal zoning that is fair to all.

"If voters defeat it, I will leave the decision up to residents of the county whether to bring it back up again."

Both agree that one of the most pressing issues facing county government is solid-waste disposal.

"It is a big problem," Smith said. "The state-mandated phaseout of landfills has a major impact on county and municipal governments. It is something that has to be dealt with in a professional manner."

Younghouse explained that the commission is working with cities and counties in the region to come up with a plan to comply with state law and allow responsible use of county funds.

"I think that will continue to be a bigger and bigger problem, but I think we are heading in the right direction by working with other counties in developing a solid-waste district," Younghouse said.

Both candidates support efforts under way between the county, Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce to form a joint industrial recruitment organization.

"I think all commissioners should work to bring jobs into this area," said Smith.

Born and raised in Oran, Smith has lived his adult life in Cape Girardeau. Since leaving his position with the city in 1988, he has worked in construction. Smith attended the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he had classes in bridge construction, maintenance and repair.

Smith graduated from the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy, and for about a year was a county deputy sheriff under former sheriff Ivan McLain. He is a certified professional sanitarian, certified with the state merit system as an environmental sanitarian, a member of the Missouri Society of Professional Sanitarians and similar professional organizations.

He and his wife, Anna, have three children, and are members of St. Vincent's Catholic Church. He has been active coaching youth baseball and soccer.

Younghouse is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau. He started out with a wholesale candy business in 1949 and now owns Younghouse Distributing Co., a wholesale business distributing fishing tackle, gifts, novelties, and fireworks.

Younghouse is active in Trinity Lutheran Church. He is a longtime member of the Evening Optimist Club, a past state chairman and lieutenant governor for Optimists, was active with the Jaycees, is a member of the Mercantile Bank board, and serves on the advisory board of Lutheran Family and Children's Services.

He and his wife, Mildred, have three sons, who all work in the family business. They have nine grandchildren.