Pamela Lape

Statesman Managing Editor

Pamela Lape of Dexter, has announced that she has paid her registration fee to the Democratic Central Committee and plans to file as a candidate for the position of Stoddard County Public Administrator in the 2008 election. The filing date is Feb. 26.

Mrs. Lape stated that her 25-year career as a licensed practical nurse has given her much insight on the mental and physical health care needs of others. In her present job as a school nurse at Bell City, she demonstrates her awareness and utilization of state and local resources on a regular basis. She also feels that her experience in nursing home care and training in nursing home administration would be beneficial to a Public Administrator position, as well.

Lape has been a resident of Stoddard County since 1971. She lived in the Advance-Bell City area until 1999, when her family moved to Dexter.

Pam and her husband, Dwaine, have been married for 36 years. The couple are very family-oriented. They have three grown daughters; Stephanie, Summer and Shannon, two son-in-laws, and four grandchildren. 2008 will be an exceptionally busy and exciting year for the family. Not only will time be spent campaigning, but a September wedding is planned for Shannon, and Summer is expecting a baby in October.

"Many people in the area do not know or understand the responsibilities of a Public Administrator," said Lape. "There is no simple explanation of the position. The Public Administrator serves as a court appointed guardian (managing personal affairs) or a conservator (managing financial affairs) for people who are unable to care for themselves and have no other person appointed to do so."

"The Public Administrator is given the authority to make decisions regarding living arrangements, medical evaluations and treatments, rehabilitation, education or training, finances, and general health and safety of those they care for," said Lape. "Public Administrator responsibilities consist of conservatorship, as well. On occasion, a deceased person within the county has no heirs or Last Will and Testament and the Public Administrator is assigned to determine that person's assets and see that their creditors are paid."

"I feel that my experiences in the nursing field would greatly benefit me toward fulfilling the demands of the Public Administrator position in Stoddard County," said Lape.

Lape encourages anyone with questions to contact her at 624-9923.

The position of Stoddard County Public Administrator is currently held by Brenda Wilson. It is not known at this time if Wilson will seek re-election.