JACKSON CITY COLLECTOR WON'T SEEK A NEW TERM

JACKSON -- Citing reasons of health, Jackson City Collector Deloris "Dee" Uren has withdrawn as a candidate for re-election in April.

Meanwhile, Uren's assistant, Beverly Nelson, announced Monday she will seek the collector's job this spring.

In a brief, prepared statement Monday, Uren said she was withdrawing because of recent health problems that would prevent her from devoting the time and energy needed to fulfill the duties of the office. She filed for re-election Jan. 4.

A spokesperson in the collector's office said Uren underwent back surgery last year and only has been able to work a short amount of time each day.

Uren, who is completing her seventh term, has been city collector for 14 years. She will continue to serve as collector until her term expires in April. She was first elected in 1977 after defeating incumbent Ralph Kasten.

Nelson has worked in the collector's office for 16 years. She was first hired as a part-time employee in 1966 by former city collector Roy Savers. Later, she worked for the Jackson Hosiery Mill, and then worked one year for Cape Girardeau County Treasurer Bill Reynolds before returning to the collector's office after Uren was elected in 1977.

She lives with her husband, Richard, at 620 Parkview. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Nelson said she decided to seek the office "because I enjoy the work, enjoy meeting people, and feel my 16 years experience gives me the qualifications to do the job."

Nelson said, if elected, Uren will become her assistant until Uren retires in November 1991.

The collector's office has two full-time employees and one part-time employee.

The filing period for municipal and school board candidates will close at 5 p.m. Jan. 29.

The election will be held April 2.