1. Why do you think you are the best potential nominee for the 4th Senate Seat?
The 4th senatorial district needs effective leadership and I am the best candidate for the job. My experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney has enhanced my ability to comprehend, articulate and address the pertinent issues facing the district. In addition my legislative experience on Capitol Hill will be an asset in leveraging federal assistance for the district. I am committed to serving the interests of the 4th senatorial district and promoting a state government that is fiscally responsible, transparent and accountable to the taxpayers.
2. How would you approach representing a district as diverse as the 4th Senatorial?
In order for me to do a good job in Jefferson City I need to listen to the people I represent. My first priority will be setting up listening tours around the district so I can hear from the people living and working in my district. I want to hear your thoughts, answer your questions and work to find resources to address your needs. If we work together we can make real progress in the 4th district.
3. How will you effectively represent Democratic interests in Jefferson City as a member of the minority party?
I pledge to work with the democratic caucus to develop and implement a strategy for promoting the interests of the party.
4. What is your position on local control of the police department? Would you sponsor a bill establishing local control?
As a former assistant circuit attorney I worked closely with the police department and I support local control of the department. We are currently operating under an archaic system of state governance and primary control of the police department should be vested in the citizens of the city of St. Louis. I would be open to sponsoring a bill to establish local control of the police department.
5. How would you propose to solve the budget problem of increasing pension costs for City of St. Louis employees?
Cities from coast to coast are experiencing pension problems and increases in pension costs are expected in the future. I need to sit down with the mayors office, employee representatives and some experts in the field to discuss the various ideas around solving the pension crisis. Once we have come up with a plan for addressing the issue I will sponsor or support any legislation that furthers that goal.
6. How would you work to foster economic development in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views about historic tax credits.
I think it's important to support communities working to develop and implement economic development and revitalization strategies. Historic tax credits are an important tool for encouraging economic development in the city and I would fight to make sure that option is available. I am in support of more capital for business incubators and small businesses, aggressive marketing of the city and working to retain talented workers in the area. Lastly, its critical we provide education on resources available to people interested in economic development. I directed three economic development seminars around the state for Senator McCaskill and if I am elected I will do economic development seminars in the 4th senatorial district.
7. As State Senator, what could you do to improve the educational system in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views on school choice and funding.
A strong educational system is necessary to keep the city growing and competitive. I support
charter schools as a limited alternative source of education, charter schools have a equal responsibility to be transparent and accountable to the taxpayer. I do not support voucher programs. I think public education is the backbone of this country and I am passionate about providing public schools the resources they need. In addition I support responsible parenting, merit pay for high performing teachers, extended school year, mentoring and after school programs.
8. Missouri lags behind many states in terms of alternative energy, energy efficiency, etc. What are your views on these and other environmental issues?
I support investment in renewable fuels research and development of new bio energy sources. The Energy efficiency tax credits are an important step in cutting are dependency on foreign energy. I think Missouri can be a leader in developing alternative forms of bio fuels, solar and wind power. Missouri is a coal dependent state so when I look at legislation concerning the environment I have to be careful and take into consideration the economic impact on a coal dependent state such as ours.
9. As State Senator, what could you do to improve health insurance / care in Missouri?
I think its critical I support policies that provide access to affordable, quality health care. We have to get a handle on escalating medical costs. I support reform in the health care industry. I think its important we have the ability to negotiate prescription drug prices for medicare and we need legislation to reform the way health insurance companies currently do business. Lastly, we need to promote preventative health, I am a big proponent of healthy eating and
daily exercise.
10. What is your long-term commitment to this position? Do you plan to seek re-election?
If selected I plan to serve out the remainder of the term and seek reelection.
