Issues

Public Education

As a product of public education at every level, I fully understand the state’s responsibility to provide quality education for all of Missouri’s citizens. Our elementary and secondary schools are crumbling and falling behind the national curve in academic achievement while the cost of higher education to the student is soaring to rates that would have been unthinkable one generation ago. What was once state-provided education has quickly become state-supported and, at current rates, will become only state-located. Not only is this irresponsible, it is damaging to the future of the state. When elected, public education will be my highest priority.

When the state is facing budget cuts, outstanding, but often underpromoted programs like Parents as Teachers, Career Ladders, and summer school are the first to go.  I have the support of many educators, parents, and even school board members who know my understanding of the education system and commitment make me the best candidate to stand up for our schools in Jefferson City.

Economy

In many ways, this issue stems directly from education. You are far more likely to remain in the state where you are educated, which is why it is imperative we educate our current and future workforce. Further, investing in our state’s infrastructure will better provide for business growth and, in turn, additional investment from the private sector. Technology and the life sciences are emerging fields which Missouri has a limited opportunity to become an early leader. We must embrace change in the marketplace. Inaction could cripple us economically for years.

Evaluating tax credits on a case by case basis and treating them like contracts (where a corporation receiving credits who closes their doors and leaves the state early would be subject to strict penalty), modernizing our taxes on tobacco and alcohol, and keeping property and income taxes at current or lower levels are things that only I am talking about in this race.  We all know that times are tough in Missouri.  Politicians who complain and point fingers are not offering solutions; they are waiting for someone else to take the risks necessary to give us a brighter economic future.

Labor

Many of my close friends have taught me the importance of unions locally and nationally. From the NEA to local fire fighters, organized labor has made it possible for families to remain secure and thrive through the good times and the bad for generations. Ensuring public projects are not commissioned to undocumented workers and allowing local contractors to compete on a level playing field are local, state and national concerns. As a taxpayer, consumer, and former member of the SEIU, I respect the importance of unions.

Health Care

Through my close relationships with local physicians and as a confused user of my own health insurance, I have learned a great deal about health care in America. Behind the economy, this usually rates as the second biggest concern of citizens and, as a large number of people reach retirement age, may be the biggest issue for voters and elected officials for decades to come. Recent actions in Missouri’s government have made it even more difficult for citizens to gain access to affordable, quality healthcare for themselves and their families. Tragically, many of the nearly three-quarters of a million Missourians without Medicaid are the elderly, the disabled, and small children. This is completely unacceptable. To me, health care is not a bargaining chip during budget debates. We have an obligation to create a better, more understandable system for families to feel secure at a low price to the citizens.

Environment

As far back as 1997, I was deeply researching alternative energy sources and learning the full scope and impact of our current energy policy. Missouri is a beautiful and environmentally diverse state with fantastic opportunities to allow for more responsible, more cost efficient usage. Many other states are letting their scenic beauty and resources disappear forever simply because, “it’s the way it has always been done before.” I want Missouri to be better than that. I support a two-pronged approach that will protect the beauty and natural resources of Missouri and also make us a leader in emerging energy alternatives. The longer we wait to act, the more we lose forever, both in our fragile environment and economically.

If we invest in projects like hydro-electric dams, windmills, or hydrogen fuel cells, we are also creating many new jobs across the state, both in initial construction and long-term maintenance.

Ethics

Doing “the right thing” should never be a choice in government; it must be expected at all levels, all of the time. We live in an unfortunate world where sex scandals are commonplace, leaders are absent of accountability, and “politician” has become a dirty word. This is contradictory to what elected representatives are supposed to exhibit and good leaders have to set an example for future generations. From daily activity to lasting policy, I want to make Missouri a more ethically sound place to live. I am a public servant first and I pledge to remember that every day I serve in elected office. That’s a promise you can count on.  I am firmly in favor of ending the unspoken "Pay to Play" campaign finance policy by reinstating campaign contribution limits and running my campaign as if those limits still existed.

Small Business

From the outstanding restaurants in Martin City to the historic businesses in Grandview, I take advantage of the unique small businesses in south Kansas City and everywhere in the area.  These businesses make up an important part of our economy and represent a huge part of the American Dream.  In these difficult times, owners have struggled to keep their employees, let alone maintain their benefits.  I am supportive of programs that keep taxes for small businesses low and give incentives to owners that provide affordable health insurance to their employees.