Lomax, Bogue, Feigenspan run for county presiding commissioner

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Marion County Republican voters will choose a presiding commissioner from among three candidates during the Aug. 2 Primary Election including the incumbent, David Lomax, and challengers, Eddie Bogue and Gerre Feigenspan.

The candidates answered a survey sent out by the Spectator with their answers as follows:

David Lomax

I’ve lived in the area for 48 years.

I’m married to Cindy (Mette) Lomax, and, together, we have four grown children.

I was elected to my first term as Marion County presiding commissioner in 2018.

Past employment and education include:

• consulting field chemist and engineering troubleshooter

• U.S. Navy SEABEES 21 years, retired as chief petty officer in ‘builder’ rating

• drinking water/water distribution/wastewater treatment operator

• registered paramedic

• U.S. Navy safety supervisor NEC-6021

• U.S. Navy basic and advanced leadership schools

My education includes:

• University of Missouri-Rolla School of Engineering

• Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) with a bachelor of science in criminal investigation

• Hannibal-LaGrange University teaching certification in science education.

I’m a member of Mission Hill Baptist Church and American Legion Post 174.

I’ve also been a member of numerous boards and associations.

I was recently appointed to National Association of Counties Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.

Why are you seeking election re-election to this office?

I believe that an elected office is a position of serving others. I am running for re-election as I believe we are at a critical point in our history that demands experienced leadership, and I want to see these projects through to completion. 

The CARES Act last year and now the ARPA funding influx require wise planning and execution for long-term benefit.  Dynamics of funding sources and top-down regulations change rapidly. 

We must look ahead and plan for what will be, and not just react to problems as they present themselves.  We are on the path to bring true broadband internet to every home and business that wants it.  

We are finding funding for daycare expansion. We are cooperating with other agencies to improve drinking water and wastewater handling.  We are adapting to the changes in our emergency response systems and planning.  

The commission must do what is best for the citizens of Marion County, not do what is politically expedient.  

We have a vision of a better, more stable, and resilient Marion County that is prepared for whatever the future brings.

Why do you believe you are well suited for the position?  What do you consider your qualifications?

I have been in the service of the public most of my life: paramedic, firefighter, police officer, U.S. military, teacher, and now three-plus years as presiding commissioner.  

My extensive background in the emergency services and experience operating within the FEMA Unified Incident Command structure have been utilized and recognized in tornado and flood responses.  

My engineering background and Navy SEABEE experience serves well to evaluate bids and contracts for county and grant-funded construction oversight.  

I have learned to work cooperatively with state and federal stakeholders to coordinate economic development.  

My background, experience and training of the last 3.5 years provides me with knowledge for the position, and my servant’s heart provides values for the commission to do what is best for the citizens of the county.  

The county budget exceeds $22 million and the grants are in excess of $2 million.  I have experience balancing and managed this size budget and have overseen the large grants.  This is a unique qualification for me versus my opposition.  

As the demands of the position have shifted, in March of 2022, I stepped back from my part-time university position to an as-required consulting position in order to more fully focus on my role as county commissioner.  This will continue going forward after the election.  

What particular issues do you want to address if reelected?  

The primary needs of the County are:

• True 100+meg speed broadband internet to every home and business in the County is indispensable for online commerce, remote work, distance learning, and telehealth, and has been demonstrated to also improve property values. We are funding this expansion via the ARPA dollars and must see it through to completion.

• I would improve access to quality child care for working parents.  It is essential to keep both parents in the workforce, if that is their choice.  We have judiciously utilized CARES and ARPA funding to keep daycares operating through the pandemic and to make structural improvements since.  This will be an ongoing need.

• I would grow the local economy by encouraging and supporting existing small businesses and attracting entrepreneurs to locate and start new business and industry in Marion County.  

The regional economic development engine continues to encourage new business through the ‘Ignite’ program that networks entrepreneurs with stable resources already in place.  

Bio-technology and cryptocurrency mining operations have shown interest in locating here.  Existing manufacturers and service industries continue to improve and upgrade as the environment here is favorable to do so.

• By working with the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Corporation, we can expand our support of entrepreneurs who want to bring new types of businesses such as non-conventional and high-tech operations to Marion County.  

We already have seen the fruits of this endeavor with several larger manufacturers.  Broadband internet access is a vital part of this endeavor.  It enables telework/remote work, which also takes some load off the daycare shortage.  

The Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council is also working with Hannibal and Palmyra on funding mechanisms for downtown revitalization projects to get under-utilized existing buildings renovated and occupied again.  The commission supports this by modifying the tax structure so that monies that go to taxes can be redirected toward improvements.  

Much progress has been made in the utilization of the port authority to leverage the modernization of the three nearest locks and dams on the Mississippi.  This would lead to over $2 billion in new investment in the area.  

The commission, as the executive branch of County government, is also the emissary or ambassador to aggressively promote Marion County as a top-choice location for business and industry. It must continually seek opportunities to do so.  We have begun this vision.  We must continue and expand it.

• I would remove roadblocks that push the upcoming generations away from home for better opportunities.  Improving the infrastructure in broadband internet, water supply, roads, and other utilities enables us to aggressively recruit industry to locate in Marion County.  

• Fiscal conservativism continues to be high priority in these uncertain economic times.  Even though we have been handed large sums in the CARES and ARPA bills, and we must invest them wisely for lasting effect. No money is ‘free’, all grants and matching funds projects can and do have unintended consequences down the road.  The very definition of ‘conservation’ is ‘wise use without waste’.

•I would communicate with the citizenry.  It’s their county, they have the right to know how it is being managed.  We three commissioners do not have a corner on the market of ideas.  

Our phone numbers and emails are already posted on the county’s website and people contact me on a regular basis with their concerns.  

The commission has a Twitter page as we move more into social media.  I want to improve the flow of communication by keeping the County’s website current with up-and-coming meeting agendas and hearing notifications.

Eddie Bogue

I have been a Marion County resident since 1969, living in Hannibal and rural Marion County.

I am a 1981 graduate of Hannibal High School and a 2004 graduate of HLGU, with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice.

I’m also a 2011 graduate of  the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Va.

I am currently the Palmyra Police Chief and have been since 2008. I will resign my position if elected in order to be a full-time commissioner.

Previously, I worked for the Hannibal Police Department from 1987 to 2008.

I’ve also worked for Hannibal Carbide Tool and Country Kitchen.

My wife, Tess, and I  have eight children between us along with nine grandchildren, four of which live in Marion County.

Why am I seeking election to this office?

I am running for Marion County Presiding Commissioner because I believe my background has prepared me to properly serve the residents of Marion County. 

I have lived and worked in Marion County for over 50 years.  When elected I plan to resign my position as the Police Chief of Palmyra, I feel Marion County needs a presiding commissioner who will have the time and who will devote the time to the office to make sure the county can maintain their revenues and growth. 

I will bring to the county a person who excels in communication, who is accessible and is a proven problem solver.  I am very familiar with the bid and grant processes and have attended over 300 council, and other meetings, where planning and decisions were made. 

I have been invested in this community for 35 years as a public servant and would like to continue that role as presiding commissioner.

Why do you believe you are well suited for the position? What do you consider your qualifications?

My background experience is, I have worked in Marion County the past 35 years, 27 of those in administrative, policy making roles. I have formed numerous contacts with individuals and groups, building partnerships that will help us accomplish ways to improve Marion County.  

Being able and willing to work with others is an important role of a commissioner. I have an open mind and possess excellent communication and negotiating skills, which commissioners spend a lot of time doing. 

I am familiar with government budgets, including, state, and federal grant procurement.  I have worked with many of the same organizations the commissioner’s office currently works with, Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, Economic Development, and MoDot, just to name a few.  

I have been fiscally responsible with the city of Palmyra’s funds as the police chief by managing my budget each year without running over line items. 

I have also acquired over $300,000 in grant funds during my 15-year tenure as the police chief.  I was responsible for the planning and construction of a new police facility for the City of Palmyra in 2016.

What particular issues do you want to address if elected?

I want to be accessible to the residents, and to listen and act on their wants and needs. 

Our residents need to feel like they are a part of the community and have a voice. I plan to have regularly scheduled office hours where I will be available in person for those who cannot make the regular meetings.  Improve the county’s webpage and assist other county officials in both court houses.

I would work with the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council and area stakeholders to develop market rate workforce housing and daycare options. 

Daycare and housing are two of the top issues for development. Additional housing brings new residents and creates new tax dollars for our taxing jurisdictions. More daycare options provide assistance to workers and enables them to enter or re-enter the workforce.

I plan to be active in planning initiatives that shape the future of the county through long range planning initiatives such as capital improvements, planning and zoning. 

I will continue to wisely use and manage the American Recovery, ARPA, funds to ensure they are spent in the most efficient way possible to make improvements in the county.  

I will work hard, looking for ways to help Marion County retain its county owned nursing home to avoid a corporation taking over the care of our residents.

Gerre Feigenspan

Marion County has been my home for over 25 years. I’ve lived in Missouri all my life.

I’m a 1972 Palmyra High School graduate.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been sexton at Palmyra Greenwood Cemetery. For 12 years I’ve been a Palmyra Public School bus driver. I plan to continue being a school bus driver following retirement this year from the cemetery. Prior to that I owned and managed convenience and grocery stores, so I know what it takes to manage a budget and have employees and payroll costs.

My wife, Donna, and I have four children and 10 grandchildren.

Why are you seeking election to this office?

The job of presiding commission is a way I can return some of the good this community has provided to my family. Retiring Greenwood Cemetery this year will allow me to focus my energy on the needs of the county and community.

Why do you believe you are well suited for the position? What do you consider your qualifications?

I have spent nearly all my adult life in and around Marion County working hard and owning/managing small local businesses with community involvement. I plan to use the relationships I have built within the county to work together with others to achieve the goals of our county.

What particular issues do you want to address if elected?

I plan to take a close look at the county employees needs. Our employees are important to us and we need to make sure they are protected and being taken care of. 

My first priority is to improve security at the courthouse which may include cameras and other devices to protect our citizens coming in and employees.

Aging stop signs have been an issue. I hope to work with the eastern and western district commissioners to have faded stop signs replaced. There are signs that are so faded, you can’t see the word “stop.”

I would also like to continue the ongoing work on high-speed internet and rural bridges in our county.