Values
Jobs and the Economy
During these tough economic times, we have an increased need to improve our state’s economy and help Missourians find jobs. Small businesses make up the framework of Missouri’s economy and are especially important in Missouri’s outstate regions. To facilitate economic growth, we need to concentrate on developing a more suitable environment that will give small and local businesses the means to become successful in the 5th house district. To attract high quality jobs to our communities, a renewed commitment to economic development and job-training programs is fundamental. These initiatives will give the economy of rural Missouri the foundation it needs to sprout new growth while maintaining the success we have already established.
Fiscally Responsible
When elected, I will work to ensure that our government efficiently serves Missourians by finding ways to cut costs and streamline government. Spending tax payer dollars wisely will facilitate our ability to expand opportunities for Missourians. We need a renewed focus and accountability in all areas of our government to emplace the proper checks.
Education
My father, a previous Superintendent of the Lathrop schools, instilled in me the great value of education. I am grateful to have received the education I have through the Lathrop public schools and Central Missouri State University. I believe that every Missourian should have the chance to get a good education. I will work to pass legislation that makes sure that money allocated for our schools makes it to our classrooms so that our teachers and students are given the tools they need to succeed. Excellent teachers, small class sizes, and access to technology in our schools will help raise the level of education that our children receive.
Higher education is steadily becoming more necessary to success in the workforce. I support Governor Nixon’s higher educational institution tuition freeze, and I will work to make sure that college tuition costs stop raising at heightened rate that we’ve seen in recent years. In order to expand our workforce in the 5th district, I believe it is very important to increase Vocational Training opportunities for young people or those looking to retrain in a new field; this includes expanding training for those looking to enter the agricultural, clean energy, or health care industries.
Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan
I support the Missouri Court Plan, the nonpartisan method of selecting judges by a merit based appointment process with a vote following to decide whether the judge should be retained. Missouri passed this selection process in 1940 due to major public dissatisfaction with the politics involved in electing partisan judges. The Missouri Plan has been successful, as evidenced in its role as a national model and having been adopted in over 30 other states. As your Representative, I will work to ensure that politics stays out of the court room.
Gun Owner’s Rights
As clearly granted to us by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, Missourians have the right to own guns. In the 5th district and other rural communities across Missouri, I personally know the importance of gun owner’s rights, and therefore when I’m elected as your Representative, I will work to make certain that our gun ownership rights are maintained.
