To help our readers make informed decisions about the candidates, this newspaper has profiled the candidates for contested state and county races and today the Call makes the following endorsements for the Tuesday, Aug. 8, primary elections:

85th District

Bob Burns of Affton and Thomas Organ of Concord are seeking the Democratic nomination for the 85th District Missouri House seat currently held by Republican Jim Lembke of Lemay, who is unopposed in the primary and is seeking a third two-year term in the Nov. 7 election.

It’s disappointing Democrats couldn’t come together and field a strong candidate to challenge Rep. Lembke in November.

Quite frankly, the way Mr. Burns co-chaired the Lemay on the Move group a few years back still leaves a bad taste in our mouth, and we believe that while Mr. Organ is enthusiastic, he lacks experience.

Consequently, we make no endorsement.

95th District

Paul E. Green Jr. and Judi Parker are seeking the Democratic nomination for the 95th District Missouri House seat currently held by Republican Jim Avery of Crestwood, who is unopposed in the primary and is seeking a third two-year term in the Nov. 7 election.

Democratic voters will face a tough choice in this race as either candidate would represent the party well, but we believe Mrs. Parker’s prior elected experience and political activities give her the advantage in this race and the Call endorses her.

97th District

Thomas C. Knowles II and Venki Palamand are seeking the Democratic nomination for the 97th District Missouri House seat currently held by Republican Walt Bivins of Oakville, who is unopposed in the primary and is seeking a third two-year term in the Nov. 7 election.

Both Democratic candidates are impressive and we believe either one would well represent south county citizens in the Legislature. Of the two, however, we believe Mr. Palamand has a better handle on the issues and the Call endorses him.

County Executive

Two Democrats are challenging County Executive Charlie Dooley next week.

Carl Johnson of Overland and Charlotte Meshell of Ballwin once again are seeking to unseat Dooley in the Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Joe Passanise and Libertarian Theo “Ted” Brown Sr. in the Nov. 7 election. While we haven’t always agreed with Mr. Dooley, he is by far the best candidate to represent the Democrats in November and endorse him.

3rd District County Council

Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock and Town and Country Ward 1 Alderman Colleen Wasinger are vying for the Republican nomination for the 3rd District County Council seat. The winner will face Democrat Kathleen Schweitzer in the Nov. 7 election.

The 3rd District seat is being vacated by Republican Skip Mange, who has served on the council since 2002. This race proves to be interesting as prominent Republicans are divided over the two candidates with Mr. Mange endorsing Mrs. Wasinger and County Councilman John Campisi, R-south county, endorsing Mr. Hancock.

Both candidates bring impressive credentials to the table, and we believe either one would represent the 3rd District with distinction. However, we believe Mr. Hancock’s experience as Fenton mayor gives him the edge in this race and endorse him.