Cape Girardeau County Commissioner candidates outline priorities
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — The three Republican candidates seeking to become Cape Girardeau County’s next presiding commissioner shared their qualifications and priorities during a town hall hosted by the Jackson Chambers Monday night.
Current Second District Commissioner Charlie Herbst, J.W. Strack and Joe Hobbs are competing to replace current Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy, who is not seeking reelection.
Before the town hall, FOX23 asked each candidate why voters should choose them and what they hoped residents would take away from the event.
Hobbs pointed to his experience in county government and his involvement in the community.
“I have years of experience. I’m embedded in the community,” Hobbs said. “I think my business background with running three successful businesses in the county and down in Dexter proves that I’m more than capable to handle this job.”
Strack said his roots in Cape Girardeau County and years of community involvement make him the right choice for the position.
“I’ve lived in Cape County all my life, and I’m on our family farm that’s been in our family for 163 years,” Strack said. “We don’t just take, we give. And that’s what I’m about.”
Herbst highlighted his background serving on local nonprofit boards and the Cape Girardeau City Council, saying his experience with budgeting and long-term planning has prepared him for the role.
“My experience on the Cape Girardeau City Council years ago and budgets and comprehensive planning make me a good fit for the office of presiding commissioner,” Herbst said.
When asked what they hoped voters would take away from the town hall, each candidate emphasized a different message.
Herbst said he wants voters to understand the responsibilities of the position, calling it “a full-time job and a full-time commitment.”
Strack said he wants residents to continue building on what makes Cape Girardeau County successful while focusing on issues such as tourism and economic development.
Hobbs said he hopes voters leave with a clear understanding of where each candidate stands on county issues, including how they would address the county’s $50 million budget debt.
The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 4. With no Democratic candidate in the race, the Republican nominee is expected to run unopposed in the November general election.
