Cape Girardeau mayoral candidates outline priorities ahead of April 7 election

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Voters in Cape Girardeau will soon decide who will serve as the city’s next mayor, as the two candidates lay out their plans to address key issues facing the community.

FOX23’s Tallis Johnson spoke one-on-one with both candidates about their priorities, including public safety, neighborhood development and overall quality of life.

Current Mayor Stacey Kinder, who is seeking reelection, pointed to her leadership experience and track record as reasons she believes she is the right choice.

“In the past four years, we’ve really had to tackle some, some hard things and have a lot of communication with the public about the situations, you know, that are there on the ground here in Cape Girardeau,” Kinder said.

Kinder said her approach to leadership focuses on transparency, especially during difficult situations.

“I knew, though about myself that that’s, the leadership style that I, that I’ve had, that I’ve always tried to cultivate. Just being, very open and, upfront about even the difficult things,” she said.

When asked about the biggest challenge facing the city, Kinder pointed to public safety.

“I think number one, public safety issues, will always be at the forefront of our, of our community concern,” she said.

She added that addressing those concerns has included evaluating pay across city departments, including police, the fire department and other public safety positions.

“We first had to tackle, by looking at the salaries of our, public safety forces. Actually, all of our city departments,” Kinder said.

Her opponent, Robbie Guard, also emphasized public safety as a top priority, calling it the foundation for other improvements in the city.

“I believe everything starts with crime,” Guard said.

“It doesn’t matter about your Parks and rec or the shiny things that you have in your community. If you’re not safe,” he added.

Guard said one of his priorities would be increasing police presence in the city.

“I believe we need more officers,” he said.

In addition to public safety, Guard pointed to housing and neighborhood investment as another area of focus.

“There is an opportunity with the Federal Home Loan Bank for a $3 million grant,” Guard said. “So that we can try to get that $3 million grant, and potentially build up to, 20 new homes in our more distressed neighborhoods.”

As the race continues, both candidates say their leadership style sets them apart.

Kinder said her approach centers on identifying problems and following through with solutions.

“If you’re looking for someone, who, wants to identify the issues, has a real passion in figuring out where the where the problems are, where the logjams might be, what can be done better… I have a track record,” she said.

Guard, meanwhile, said his leadership is rooted in communication and community trust.

“I just feel like my leadership ability and my track record of getting things done. People trust me,” he said.

He also emphasized his personal connection to the city.

“I always tell people that, all of the great things in my life, have happened because or in Cape Girardeau. And I just want to make Cape Girardeau better,” Guard said.

The April 7 election will determine who voters believe is best suited to lead Cape Girardeau as the city continues to address public safety concerns and plan for future growth.