CBT’s Political Insider
Election day is coming up. To get you prepared, CBT is sharing our notes on the candidates running for local and state office.
Boone County Commission — Northern District
City-County Relationship
As the incumbent, has prior experience with city. Sees the relationship as productive and collaborative on a daily basis. Notes that disagreement over the city’s tax-increment financing, or TIF, project, which resulted in the county suing the city, is only area without collaboration. “Those things happen from time to time,” she says. “It was a failure to communicate about one issue, not a failure of communication.”
Boone County Fairgrounds
As a frequent horse show administrator, supports more agricultural usage. Could include renovations; would like to see the site be used for many livestock shows. Supports a multi-purpose recreation facility and outdoor amphitheater at the site. Would like Columbia Parks and Recreation to help develop the rec facility while the county handled the agricultural facilities, but the county would maintain management. She says, “Our new goal is to better educate our community about what it can be and make sure the community cares about it.”
Economic Development
Wants to focus on enabling minorities to enter the business world. Would support more programs like the recently opened Women’s Business Center. Glad to see more things like Chapter 100 bonds being used to bring jobs; loves the recruitment and support provided by REDI, but wants to expand scope. She says, “We need to be looking outside saying just one sector of our economy can do entrepreneurial things.”
Community Involvement
Thompson is a former public defender. Her side passion is horse training and riding, and she’s the past president of the Missouri Horse Shows Association; she frequently spends time and money with agricultural charities.
County Challenges
At the whim of state lawmakers; cites the state’s restriction on Medicaid access and infrastructure improvement as limiting development. Sees the loss of sales tax to online retail as an issue to be addressed through consumer education. Wants people to understand that the county “runs a tight ship,” so funding can’t go down. “People say, ‘You can do more with less,’” she says, “when, really, you’re going to do less with less.”
Goals and Motivation
Passion project is improving mental health care with a focus on the justice system through her Stepping Up Initiative. Recently called a meeting with city and community leaders, including law enforcement, to discuss ways of keeping mentally ill citizens out of jails. “It’s a problem all over the country,” she says, “but Boone County is such a leader in so much else, I hope we can be one in this as well.”
City-County Relationship
He admires the functional relationship between the two, but sees both groups as responsible for the “strained” political relationship. As commissioner, he would work on making himself available for conversations with city employees. “Try to have the conversations,” he says. “If somebody doesn’t want to mend the fence, you can’t do it by yourself. Or you shouldn’t.”
Boone County Fairgrounds
Would like county management to capitalize on facilities already present at the fairgrounds. Says the fairgrounds have been largely ignored by the county throughout its time owning the property; thinks the county’s “temper tantrums” about funding, particularly after 2014’s failed sales tax vote, have damaged the relationships needed to make it profitable. “It’s not rocket science,” he says. “It takes work.”
Economic Development
Thinks the most effective government economic policy is hands-off. Riddles would advocate for a limited county government focused on law enforcement and infrastructure maintenance. Says if the government can provide stability through those things, businesses will flourish. Says tax incentives and similar development tools can work under the right conditions.
Community Involvement
Riddles is an electrician with Schneider Electric and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an electrician’s union. He worked with an organization called Motocross Parents for 10 years helping organize motocross races.
County Challenges
Sees potential tax shortfall as the most pressing challenge for the county. Says options are limited from the county’s perspective and that the best available option is supporting business growth and helping local businesses compete with outside retailers. Says: “The true stuff isn’t complicated. Support business, and there will be more tax revenue.”
Goals and Motivation
First goal will be rebuilding the relationships that he sees as damaged by the county; calls that a “full-time job.” Most of those relationships are with local businesses and with city government. Says, “That’s who the current county regime doesn’t get along with.”
Boone County Commission — Southern District
City-County Relationship
Sees “a really great group at the operational level” of the city and county. Thinks the two collaborate well on day-to-day duties. Says that top levels of leadership need to do better communicating with each other and with other stakeholders in the community. “It will be incumbent on the next commissioner” to keep building those relationships.
Boone County Fairgrounds
Pleased to see Veterans United take an interest in using fairgrounds facilities; would like to see a public-private partnership help manage the fairgrounds. Would also like to incorporate the City’s Parks and Recreation Department with that partnership. Sees sharing strengths as the best management strategy for the property.
Economic Development
Believes the county has “unique assets to offer,” the MU Reasearch Reactor chief among them. Hopes to communicate that the county has biotech jobs available. Would also like to see increased investment in vocational training and skilled labor programs and to continue supporting agriculture as part of the county business community.
Community Involvement
Lennon is a former state assistant attorney general and was selected as the first coordinator of the state’s Elections Integrity Unit, where she worked with state and local governments to ensure election transparency.
County Challenges
Infrastructure improvements are a priority. Sees investment in roads as benefitting public safety and economic development. Says overseeing the new joint communications 911 center will be an important responsibility. Broad challenge is growth in Columbia and Ashland, “making sure we strike a balance with what we want the community to look like in 10 years.”
Goals and Motivation
Has always been drawn to public service and the challenge of government. Sees local government as being especially impactful. Board member of the New Century Fund, a city-appointed group tasked with fundraising for community improvement projects in Columbia. Says, “We need someone that has the energy to get through the minutiae of running the county, but also someone who can look at the big picture.”
City-County Relationship
Parry sees “room for improvement” in the relationship. Expressed a desire to make the county more open to TIF and other similar economic development initiatives. Sees improved communication as key to improvement. Parry says, “The relationship has been rough for a long time, but it’s like any relationship — the more you communicate, the more likely you are to work out your differences.”
Boone County Fairgrounds
Says he’s the only candidate that has been passionate about the fairgrounds for a long time, citing criticisms he made when the county purchased the property in 1999. Would like the county to develop a complete business plan for the fairgrounds, which would include rec facilities, sporting events, and agricultural shows. Would like the City’s Parks and Recreation department to be a partner in planning.
Economic Development
Would like to see improvement in the county’s economic policy. He applauds the county’s securing of Chapter 100 bonds for a recent project, but advocates for more tax breaks and development incentives. Would also like fewer restrictions on business owners, with the county reviewing, for example, density and set-back rules on a case-by-case basis. “One size does not fit all,” Parry says.
Community Involvement
Parry is the publisher of Inside Columbia magazine and the former co-host of “Morning Meeting” on KFRU. In addition to being on the Boone Hospital Board of Directors, Parry has been a board member for other organizations in Columbia, including the chamber of commerce.
County Challenges
Parry sees a revenue problem in the county’s future, largely due to the loss of sales tax revenue to online retailers. Also thinks the county should be more transparent in operations, opening more meetings to the media and the public. Infrastructure issues are also an immediate concern.
Goals and Motivation
As chairman of the Boone Hospital Board, Parry says the hospital is “the county’s strongest asset,” and hopes to find a strong long-term leasing partner for the facility. BJC Health Care’s lease on the building is set to expire in 2020. Parry says he has developed professional relationships and administrative skills as a magazine publisher. “I’ve been kind of frustrated with the lack of progress in county government,” he says. “I feel like I can help.”
State House of Representatives — District 44
MU in Jefferson City
Sees every business in the area as having some connection to MU, and therefore wants to work with other legislators from Boone County to oppose less sympathetic legislators from other parts of the state. Says he’s noted for his ability to bring people together, which he believes would help defend MU in state congress.
Economic Development
Thinks economic development begins with funding and supporting public education. Says, “Good students with good grades become a good workforce.” Says part of the problem comes from pressure enforced on teachers and schools by standardized testing. Would also like to explore ways to help establish small businesses, particularly at the “craftsman level.”
Community Involvement
In addition to his job owning Pauley Insurance Agency, he is a former Hallsville alderman and former president of the Hallsville Chamber of Commerce. Was a unionized sheet metal worker for more than 21 years. In office, would like to hold regular coffee meetings with constituents and attend local chamber and school board meetings.
District Challenges
In addition to education funding, Pauley sees a lack of access to health insurance as one of the major challenges facing people in the 44th district. Says his work as an insurance agent has allowed him to see the problem firsthand for his clients. Would also like to improve on what he sees as a lack of communication between representatives and their constituents.
Goals and Motivation
Says his experiences in local public service and his work as an insurance agent prompted him to seek state office. Has also become interested in ethics reform, particularly in the area of gifts and contributions to state representatives. While he is accepting contributions during his campaign, Pauley has pledged not to accept any gifts or contributions while in session.
MU in Jefferson City
Reisch would support a hands-off legislative approach to the university, avoiding “micromanaging.” Says that the legislature’s job is to budget however much money they’re able to send the university and then let UM leaders do their jobs. Says the No. 1 challenge for MU is rebuilding its image across the state.
Economic Development
Says there are “so many tools in the tool box” for economic development, including Chapter 100 bonds and TIF. As mayor of Hallsville, Reisch was a board member for REDI. Would support a right-to-work bill. Sees the lack of such a bill as a major deterrent to job growth in the state.
Community Involvement
Served as a Hallsville city employee for 30 years before a four-year stint as the city’s mayor. Active in the Hallsville Chamber of Commerce and the Hallsville Historical Society. Also owns a property management company and works for the Cline & Braddock law firm in Columbia.
District Challenges
Job creation would be her priority; she sees that as the foundational challenge for the district. Says that working at the state level would present the same challenges she’s faced from a local level, namely protecting citizens’ safety and creating economic opportunities.
Goals and Motivation
Originally planned to run for Boone County commissioner, but announced her candidacy for District 44 representative after incumbent Rep. Caleb Rowden decided to run for state senate. Says her decision was motivated by the desire to “do the most good for the most people.” In office, her number one goal would be creating jobs and getting businesses to invest in mid-Missouri.
State House of Representatives — District 46
MU in Jefferson City
Sees funding decline over the last decade as an important issue for the community, exacerbated by the political response to protests last fall. Would advocate for increased higher education funding. Would also work on educating other legislators on MU’s value statewide in an effort to reconcile those hostile to MU.
Economic Development
Sees Medicaid expansion as a positive economic development move, saying it would help health care infrastructure grow. Would also like to continue supporting improvements at Columbia Regional Airport and advocating for the MU Research Reactor. Sees a symbiotic relationship between those two projects.
Community Involvement
Has been a social worker and worked in social advocacy, working for state government and a nonprofit. Worked as a community organizer for Planned Parenthood during the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions, where she also helped coordinate the organization’s support for the Affordable Care Act.
District Challenges
Medicaid expansion is a priority for her, particularly in preventative care for uncovered groups. Low funding for both higher education and the state’s public school system is a worry. Says a poorly funded education system drives businesses away from Missouri, hurting economic development. Says, “It’s important to fully fund the formula.”
Goals and Motivation
Motivated by her career as a social worker and her experiences in that field. Particularly motivated by poor health care. “I do think [Medicaid expansion] is going to happen in Missouri,” she says. “It’s only a matter of time.” Says she wants to continue her advocacy in a new way. Admires the 46th District’s current representative, Stephen Webber; says she wants to “follow in his footsteps as a progressive Democrat.”
MU in Jefferson City
Waterman “understands the importance” of MU, particularly the MU Extension programs, which he discovered while growing up on a farm. While showing other legislators the benefits the university provides the state, he wants to “hold MU to task, if you will,” making sure the school uses the money from state appropriations wisely.
Economic Development
Waterman wants to roll back “excessive” regulations on businesses, particularly new businesses. Talks about how the legal requirements for small business owners deterred him from restarting a side business he owned, a traveling coffee tent, in the late 2000s. Wants to apply “common sense” to cases in which a regulation has an unintended effect on business development.
Community Involvement
In addition to running a traveling coffee tent, Waterman has held leadership positions in MU’s technical staff and at Bass Pro Shops. He’s a life member of the National Rifle Association and a former deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.
District Challenges
Sees the economic impact of MU’s budget shortfall as an immediate concern for the business community. His key issue is mental health and the community’s mental health support system. Would like to use more resources to improve accessibility to services and educate the community about mental illness.
Goals and Motivation
Watching his daughter, who has schizophrenia, struggle through the mental health support system motivated Waterman to run for public office. He hopes to implement training for police officers to have more positive outcomes with mentally ill suspects, hopefully alleviating jail crowding as well. His second goal in office will be to fight for increased university and public education funding.
State House of Representatives — District 47
MU in Jefferson City
Says MU needs to keep pursuing strong research and being a top employer. Sees teaching background as an asset in dealing with legislators. “You learn how to collaborate with people even if they have different opinions,” she says.
Economic Development
Prioritizes supporting big employers, notably MU, Columbia Public Schools, and the town’s insurance companies. Sees fully funded public education as an economic stimulator, allowing local districts to ease tax levies and pay employees more. As such, wants to fulfill the state’s education funding formula. “I believe the money is there, and we have to make it a priority in our budget,” she says.
Community Involvement
Was a public school teacher for 28 years. Finished her career as president of the Columbia chapter of the National Education Association. Was also an elected trustee of the Public Schools Retirement Fund, which she says gave her experience in investing and handling budgets. Has enjoyed not being “stuck in the classroom” and out on the campaign trail.
District Challenges
Says public education funding is an urgent issue for all the school districts in the 47th congressional district. Also wants to pass Medicaid expansion in Missouri, a divisive issue in the house. She estimates Medicaid expansion would create 4,000 local jobs in the medical field.
Goals and Motivation
No. 1 goal is fully funding the state’s public education funding formula. Says she was motivated to run in order to “work with other people and show them how important it is to fund education.” Also wants to work on health care expansion and make sure that Missouri doesn’t become a right-to-work state.
MU in Jefferson City
While Basye recognizes MU’s value in mid-Missouri, he says a lot of legislators don’t have ties, or sympathy, to MU like he does. Says the university has to put strong new leadership in place to convince the house of its value. “Bottom line, there has been a lack of leadership there,” he says. “We’re ready to move forward.”
Economic Development
Basye was a supporter of the right-to-work and paycheck protection bills that failed to pass in his first term. Characterizes the right-to-work bill as a “worker freedom” protection rather than an anti-union bill, as opponents claim. Would like to see such bills passed, saying he’s heard of businesses who say they won’t come to Missouri without a right-to-work law. Also sees the government as being too restrictive on agriculture practices.
Community Involvement
Basye has connections in the Columbia Pachyderm Club, the Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and the MU Alumni Association. Maintains an “open door” office policy and regularly fields phone calls and meetings with political critics. He says: “I’m not afraid to talk to someone who doesn’t agree with me. I think it’s the foundation of democracy, really.”
District Challenges
Basye wants to help protect primary and higher education as well as mid-Missouri’s agricultural economy, which he believes faces burdensome and unnecessary government restriction. Says that small businesses face obstacles in the state’s business regulations and tax structure.
Goals and Motivation
“I’ve been in public service all my life,” Basye says. “I just enjoy helping people.” Basye says his career experiences have motivated him in his political career. In addition to helping pass new versions of the business bills he supported in his first term, Basye would like to see infrastructure improvements made via a gas tax, another legislative initiative that failed in his first term.
State Senate — District 19
MU in Jefferson City
As a state representative, Webber was one of the mid-Missouri legislators responsible for answering attacks on MU in Jefferson City. Says local representatives’ “No. 1 job is to defend Mizzou,” something he feels legislators fell short of last year. Wants to tout the good things happening at the university, like the research reactor, to help show MU’s value to the state.
Economic Development
Thinks pushing support of the research reactor will help create other high-growth opportunities in the area as well as promote activity at Columbia Regional Airport. Says that Columbia is an education- and health-based town, so supporting those two industries would benefit the local economy. Would also like to improve infrastructure in mid-Missouri.
Community Involvement
Webber, a Columbia native, is a member of Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America; he served in the Marine Corps after college. Before being elected as the 22nd District’s state representative, Webber worked as an aide to Sen. Claire McCaskill. He says he has a “good relationship” with the chamber of commerce and REDI.
District Challenges
Says that the community isn’t producing enough workers in high-demand fields. Would like to fund programs designed to train potential workers to meet workforce needs. Part of that includes increased funding to public and higher education. Also says infrastructure disrepair as a challenge in the district.
Goals and Motivation
Says Columbia is his “favorite place on earth,” which has motivated him to continue representing the area. Would continue advocating for the causes he supported as a state representative, including education funding and partnering with the university on new projects.
MU in Jefferson City
As a state representative, Rowden helped lead an effort to restore planned funding cuts to the school last year. But says, “We can’t turn a blind eye to leadership challenges.” Wants MU to address structural issues that led to unrest last year. Wants to “continue to advocate for more dollars” while proving MU’s value to the rest of the state.
Economic Development
Rowden sees potential growth in manufacturing and shipping because of the 19th District’s access to I-70 and position in the middle of the country. Notes that this growth would have to come with infrastructure improvements. Also wants to be sure MU research is funded, allowing Columbia’s biotech industry to continue growing and attracting investment.
Community Involvement
Rowden owns Clarius Interactive, a marketing company. He has been meeting with local chambers of commerce and economic development groups to connect with the 19th District’s business community. Rowden also actively uses social media, crediting that platform with his first election win in 2012.
District Challenges
Sees MU’s organizational health as the biggest challenge to the 19th District. Says, “We sidestepped a disaster last year, but there are some long-term challenges here.” Sees most district challenges as stemming from the university’s health. Plans to make MU leadership stability and funding stability a priority in office.
Goals and Motivation
Rowden says the birth of his son during his first state congressional term changed the motivation for his political career. Now wants to avoid bickering that “doesn’t do a lot for my child.” Wants to fully fund the state’s public education formula and find ways to support new public safety initiatives in Columbia.