An interim councilman was appointed by the Cape Girardeau City Council Monday to fill the vacancy in Ward 6, formerly held by councilman Wayne Bowen. Danny Essner will temporarily fill the seat until next April.
Previously, Essner served on the city’s Parks and Recreation board for nine years, as well as the transportation committee for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, among others. Essner says he’s joining the city council because he’s committed to public service.
“I think most of the councilmen are just like me,” Essner said. “They’re living in Cape [Girardeau] because they think it’s a wonderful place to work and live and raise a family, and they want to help the community prosper.”
Because of his community involvement over the last 30 years, Essner said he never had time to get involved in the city council until his retirement this past June. Come next spring, Essner said he is considering running for a seat on the council.