On Aug. 4, voters will go to the polls in the Missouri Primary Election. In Scott County, voters choose between Terry Cole and John Graham for the Republican candidate for First District Commissioner. The winner will face Democrat incumbent Dennis Ziegenhorn in the November election.
The following is a Q&A with each candidate.
__Describe your background:__
COLE: I am a lifelong Scott County resident. As a child, my parents were involved in agriculture and other small businesses. I learned at an early age about responsibility and work ethic. In 1975, an automobile accident left me confined to a wheelchair. I met and married Cindy Rolwing in 1982. Cindy and I have owned, managed and operated numerous small businesses over the years. I am a dedicated Christian and Republican. I have been involved with numerous civic organizations such as the Sikeston Rotary, Kenny Rogers Children’s Center and Sikeston Elks. I have held positions on other municipal boards.
GRAHAM: I have spent most of my life in Scott County. I am married to Joy. We have four grown children and eight awesome grandchildren. I was an engineer with IBM Corporation and owned a business machine company. I served on the Sikeston City Council and numerous boards and commissions. I am a past president of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International and Men’s Ministry. I am a past member of the Sikeston Jaycees. Many area residents know me for cooking BBQ and catfish as Willy Bill’s BBQ & Catering. Willy Bill was my nickname from my grandfather.
__What is the biggest issue the commissioner is likely to face during your term if elected?__
COLE: I feel the biggest issue facing commissioners is demonstrating their responsibility to the County residents. In today’s political environment, residents rightly expect more from their government representatives. Citizens want a government that responds to their needs while demonstrating fiscal responsibility. They expect us to act responsibly and ethically. I can draw on my experience in city government. My background in owning and operating businesses has taught me how to meet customer needs in a timely, efficient manner while managing budgets and expenses. I will apply that same business sense to county offices.
GRAHAM: The health of the county residents and the county will be facing the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused a significant loss of revenue to the residents, the county and many businesses. Everyone’s budgets will be affected.
__What issues do you thing are the most important to the county?__
COLE: Economic development is at the top of my list of importance. Our residents deserve better jobs and better wages. Partnering with cities and businesses in our county to grow our current business base and recruit new business investment will benefit everyone. If we want our county to succeed, we must create opportunities for our children and grandchildren so they will return home and can prosper. Growing the county’s economic base will provide sales and property taxes for county budgets allowing commissioners greater ability to meet citizen needs. Residents deserve an innovative county government.
GRAHAM: Health and safety of county residents; getting businesses open again: bringing in new businesses with good-paying jobs and meeting the needs of the citizens while balancing the budget.
__If elected, what are your goals?__
COLE: Scott County is well run. If elected commissioner, my goal is to bring a fresh perspective to the county’s operation. Drawing on my past business experience, knowledge, and management, I hope to elevate the county to higher levels. I want to see the county succeed in all regions. The county should be open to citizen input and be responsive to legitimate citizen needs, which means your county commissioner should be open-minded and available to the voters. A county commissioner is a job that demands your attention.
GRAHAM: Keeping the residents healthy and safe. Raising the standards for law enforcement and giving them the support necessary to do their jobs. Having an open line of communication for residents to contact me, I will be your full-time commissioner. Putting people back to work with good-paying jobs and creating new opportunities in our county for our children and grandchildren to have a better place to live and raise their families.
__Why should the voters pick you?__
COLE: For all the reasons above, I believe voters should pick me. I have extensive business experience combined with years of municipal government leadership. I have a passion for our region and want to see it succeed. Your commissioner should be forward-thinking and proactive, which I am. My experience has taught me how to develop relationships to move progress forward. By forming partnerships, we can take Scott County to greater successes. This is the job of your representative commissioner.
GRAHAM: I believe I am the best candidate for the office. I will work with the other commissioners representing you. My education in numerous fields, working long hours on the farm, my work ethic and my business experiences and my desire to have a better county government will focus on all citizens’ needs. I will not juggle your issues and concerns between other businesses. This will be my only job, your full-time commissioner. I am not running to help my business or to increase my financial interests. I will be working for you. You will be my priority. I am the candidate who focuses on making life better for you and your family. I love this county and I believe I can bring in new businesses and create new good-paying jobs. I have a business plan to help citizens start their businesses, which will help fill empty offices with new tenants. Thank you for your support and your vote. Elect John Graham Scott County Commissioner 1st District.