GENE HUCKSTEP, E.C. YOUNGHOUSE LEFT THEIR MARKS

The dawning of a new year always brings some change. For Cape Girardeau County government, 1995 brings to a close the Gene Huckstep era.

For 16 years, Huckstep has been a domineering force in county government, taking a firm hold from the day he first walked into the courthouse as presiding commissioner on Jan. 1, 1979.

Using a combination of keen business sense, common sense and a fierce take-charge approach, Huckstep worked with his fellow commissioners and other county officials to transform Cape Girardeau County into one of the most impressive governmental entities in Missouri.

Huckstep recognized from the day he took office that citizens are best served when government officials scrutinize every expenditure of tax dollars and, above all, never spend more money than it has.

With a profound ability to say "no" when it came to funding requests, and a lifelong belief that every one, including government, should save money, Cape Girardeau County went from borrowing money in the spring on next year's taxes to a financial condition envied by county governments everywhere.

Despite his forceful leadership style, Huckstep knew how to work with people to make the county stronger.

During his career, Huckstep handled two major crises in the sheriff's department with a firm hand. Both resulted in resignations, followed by swift action by the commission to restore order. Huckstep also guided county residents through several disasters from blizzards to floods.

He also took a lead role in a process that led to the construction of the Missouri Veterans Home and established county government as a key player in attracting new jobs.

Because of its sound financial condition, a new county administration building was paid for with cash. That condition also enabled the county to do dozens of other things to benefit citizens such as building new bridges, upgrading county roads, improving parks, installing the latest computer technology in offices and providing ambulance service without a special tax.

One of his fellow commissioners, E.C. Younghouse, also retired at the end of the year. Younghouse served as an associate commissioner from the 2nd District for the last seven years.

Younghouse fit in well with the Cape Girardeau County good government team. As a successful businessman, family man, church and civic leader and lifelong resident of the county, E.C. Younghouse put his strong values and solid foundation to work for the people.

He was conscientious in carrying out his responsibilities as a county commissioner. Younghouse was responsible for overseeing county buildings and parks.

Younghouse worked with park employees and the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts to develop the Christmas light display, which is ingrained as part of our holiday tradition. He worked to locate a Department of Conservation regional headquarters at the park, and last summer he took the lead in acquiring 25 additional acres of land to be used for future park expansion.

His impact on county government will be enjoyed by citizens for many years to come.

Partisan politics that has plagued other county governments in the state to the detriment of citizens has been noticeably absent from Cape Girardeau County. Politics stop at the courthouse door. That attitude is because of leaders like Huckstep and Younghouse, who have insisted that the interests of county residents are the first priority.

Cape Girardeau County is fortunate to have been served by solid citizens like Gene Huckstep and E.C. Younghouse. They will be missed.