Halloween Party 10/23

The Central Committee and Young Dems are teaming up again this year for a Halloween Party. Details are below. This is always a fun event and a nice mix of people.

The advance ticket price is $15, but if we have 10 people who want to go, we can buy a table which would only cost $10 / person. Or you can pay at the door ($20).

Tickets are already available, so let me know if you're interested in getting one.

I'm also looking for creative costume ideas for an oversized belly. :)

Here's the scoop...

Hosts: The St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee and the Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis

Friday, October 23
7:00 - 10:00 PM

Glaziers Union Hall
5916 Wilson Ave

$15 tickets in advance
$20 at the door
$100 Tables (includes 10 tickets)

Costume Contest, Prizes, Games, Live Music, Food and Drinks!

Please make checks payable to:
St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee

15th Ward Democrats Mtg 9/24

The next 15th Ward Democrats meeting will be held Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 PM.

Location - Mangia Italiano (downstairs), 3145 S. Grand Blvd.

Joe Keaveny, the Democratic nominee for 4th District State Senate, will be coming by to hear from the group about issues we think are important for our ward and district.

Hope to see you there!

We have a Nominee!

Joe Keaveny has been chosen as the Democratic Party Nominee for the 4th District Senate seat.

The special election will take place on November 3, 2009.

Thanks for Your Input!

Before I head to this afternoon's nominating meeting, I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who contacted me to share their opinions about the 4th Senatorial Nomination.

It is very helpful to have knowledge of how the voters in the 15th Ward / 4th Senate District feel about the issues and candidates so that I can best represent your interests at the meeting.

I heard from people who had personally worked with one or more of the potential candidates as well as people who had reviewed the candidates' responses on my web site and wanted to comment on how those views lined up with their own.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to representing you this afternoon!

4th Senatorial Voting Process

I've received some questions about the voting process for Saturday's nominating meeting, so I thought I would explain how that will work.

The 4th Senatorial District Committee is made up of the Democratic Committeepeople from each of the wards within the district. There are 18 wards, with a Committeeman and Committeewoman from each ward, so a total of 36 people. It is this group that will nominate the Democratic Party nominee who will then file to run in the November 3rd General Election against candidates from other parties.

The Committee's voting at the nominating meeting is weighted based on how many votes were cast for the Democratic candidate for Governor in the last Gubernatorial election within each precinct of each ward that is within the 4th District. Each Committeeperson gets 1 vote per 1,000 votes (or major fraction thereof).

In the 15th Ward, precincts 1, 2, 3, and 5 are within the 4th District and had a total of 3718 votes for Jay Nixon last fall. Therefore, Committeeman Gregg Christian and I each get 4 votes, so the 15th Ward has a total of 8 votes.

There are 132 total votes available but each Committeeperson must be present at the vote to cast their allotment (there is no proxy voting in a nominating meeting). So, if someone is unable to attend the meeting on Saturday, their votes will be unused.

4th Senate Nominee Responses

Four people have contacted Committeeman Gregg Christian and me asking for our support in Saturday's 4th District Senate Democratic nomination:
Jerryl Christmas
Joseph Keaveny
Jamilah Nasheed
Rachel Storch

Based on input we received from voters in the 15th Ward / 4th District, we developed a list of ten questions which we asked each person to respond to. I have posted each of their responses in a separate post so you can read them.

I really appreciate all of the input voters in the 15th Ward / 4th District have shared with me so far. If you would like to discuss the nomination, please contact me at jan@janclinite.com or 314.773.2907.

Our vote will take place on Saturday, September 12, so be sure to contact me before then.

Jerryl Christmas 4th Senate Responses

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.

Jamilah Nasheed 4th Senate Responses

1. Why do you think you are the best potential nominee for the 4th Senate Seat?

I am the best candidate for this seat for several reasons. First, I am committed to the 4^th District and the people who live here. While some of the other people who are attempting to garner your support may view this position as a springboard for a different office, I will stay as long as my constituents continue to approve of my job. Second, I have a long history of delivering results to my constituents. Obviously, I would like to see the Democrats become the majority in the Senate and the House, however while we are the minority, it is important to choose someone who can work with Republicans. Since I started working in Jefferson City I have been able to pass two pieces of legislation that I sponsored. Also, I have recently been appointed the chair of a Task Force on Dropout Prevention by Speaker Richard. I received this appointment over some of my Republican colleagues because of my proven leadership skills. If you decide to support me, you know that I will be able to block the bills that will hurt St. Louis, and create support for bills that will help us.

2. How would you approach representing a district as diverse as the 4th Senatorial?

The 4^th Senatorial district is not as diverse as divisive politicians want us to believe. We are significantly democratic and strongly value the same platforms. The people we live next to want better healthcare, a robust economy, nicer schools, and renewable energy sources. As your senator I will use my office and voice to guarantee that our collective interests are well defended and advanced in the capitol. The best way to represent our differing opinions is through access. I have always been especially accessible to all of my constituents. Whether they want to contact my office, home, or meet in person, I enjoy and respond to the requests of everyone in the district.

3. How will you effectively represent Democratic interests in Jefferson City as a member of the minority party?

As I said above, I work well with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues. When you are deciding who you want to send to Jefferson City as your senator, I think you should pick the candidate most able to produce results for St. Louis. I have a proven record of passing legislation as a member of the minority party without compromising my values or office. Democratic interests can and will be pursued by myself as the 4^th District’s senator.

4. What is your position on local control of the police department? Would you sponsor a bill establishing local control?

In my opinion, it is ridiculous that 25% of the city’s annual budget goes to a police force that they do not have direct authority over. With power centered in city hall, the police force will be more efficient and effective. If you choose to support me, I will sponsor and push for legislation establishing local control.

5. How would you propose to solve the budget problem of increasing pension costs for City of St. Louis employees?

The budget problem should be addressed with a two tier solution. First, St. Louis City needs to study and propose some answers. Second, once the city has found the best way to approach the budget dilemmas, I will sponsor legislation in Jefferson City to supplement their efforts. Since the root of the problem is the cost of the pensions, I would be eager to push for support of the city’s efforts with state resources.

6. How would you work to foster economic development in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views about historic tax credits.

There are two issues that I think your senator should fight for. First, St. Louis is the powerhouse of Missouri’s economy, and I would work to continue that trend. Gov. Nixon has been withholding funding from our city, and as your senator I would have the tools to apply more pressure for funds to be released. Second, the historic tax credits are a proven approach to re-developing the city. When rural republicans try to cut them, as they have in past sessions, I will ensure that they stay on the books. I promise to utilize every resource of my office to guarantee that those credits continue to revitalize St. Louis.

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.

Education is the linchpin to quality of life. I firmly believe that every person in St. Louis and Missouri has a fundamental right, not just to education, but an education in a well funded school with dedicated teachers. Unfortunately, St. Louis public schools are significantly underfunded. As a representative I passed legislation which expanded the opportunities for students in the A+ program. Currently I am the chair of a task force which is responsible for studying the devastating problem of high school dropout rates. Before I entered public office, I founded the In It 2 Win Coalition which has thus far convinced almost 100 students to return to school and graduate. As a senator, I will put the full force of my position to increase funding for our public schools. I appreciate the desires of parents to want to send their children to good schools; however instead of ravaging our already troubled schools by pulling funding, students, and teachers, I would support the public schools.

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 am firmly committed to advancing green technology as a means to provide people a better quality of life. Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar technologies have so much potential to meet all of our energy needs, without the destructive costs currently hurting our planet. As your senator I can promise that if legislation creates real opportunities for Missouri to utilize alternative energies – I will support it. I have spent a lot of time researching the cap-and-trade legislation currently being discussed in Washington D.C. and when a bill is prepared, I will look into ways that Missouri can benefit from, and enhance system.

9. As State Senator, what could you do to improve health insurance / care in Missouri?

Ever since 2005, when Gov. Blunt’s budget cuts decimated our state’s health care infrastructure, the people of Missouri have been hurting. One of my strongest motivations to running for office was watching the effects of those cuts on my 83 year old grandmother. Every day I go to the capitol I remember how difficult it was for her to receive any medical attention after the cuts were enacted. As a representative for St. Louis I have been fighting for better healthcare, and I will continue that fight as a senator. A while ago I wrote an Op-Ed on the health care debate currently being held across the country and I have attached it so you can get a better understanding of my thoughts on this devastating problem.

Here is the Op-Ed:

We’ve had these conversations on health care before…

In 1912 Theodore Roosevelt campaigned for the presidency by advocating national health insurance. President Truman called on Congress for a health care overhaul in 1945. As the same problems continued, President Nixon backed reform efforts to mandate that employers offer a minimum level of insurance to employees. On the campaign trail in 1976, Jimmy Carter demanded “a comprehensive national health insurance system with universal and mandatory coverage.” Like his predecessors, President Clinton recognized that the deficiencies in the health care system were not being alleviated by ignoring them and in 1993 created a taskforce assessing possible solutions.

I could cite many more times when the issue has been broached with only minimal progress, but the point is clear: Democrats and Republicans alike for nearly the last century have submitted proposals to change the way this country uses and views health care. Each time detractors and cynics denounced the efforts as “socialism” or worse and were able to derail practical solutions.

Now, the health care system is as weak and inefficient as ever before. Almost 50 million Americans are uninsured, with another 25 million being under-insured. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that the cost of health insurance increased 30 percent from 2001-2005. Yet during the same time period people’s income only increased by 3 percent. Almost 50 percent of people filing for bankruptcy do so because of the devastating cost of health care. These numbers speak for themselves about the inexcusable continuance of our current methods.

To those people who use mistruths and half-truths to advance themselves at the expense of others, to those people who would incite the primitive fears of people with lies without concern for the well being of others, to those people who have no objective other than to perpetuate the status quo and leave millions of others suffering, my message to you is simple: Stop.

Surely in a country predicated on discussion and debate, we can sit down, isolate our differences and work towards a common solution. Instead of devolving into shoving and shouting, research and reason should prevail. With an open-mind and a predisposition of patience, we as a citizenry can alleviate this discourse into pragmatic options.

The people of St. Louis deserve a health care system that does not ask them to choose between their health and the mortgage, their health and the utility bills, or their health and food. We cannot and will not tolerate another failed attempt at health care reform.

10. What is your long-term commitment to this position? Do you plan to seek re-election?

It would be an honor serving the people of the 4^th District, and if they continue to approve of my job in Jefferson City, I will run for re-election and hopefully remain the senator for the next nine years. I think it is very important for the senator to stay for as long as possible, building relationships with other senators and working for St. Louis. If the committee people decide to choose a candidate who isn’t planning on staying in office for the available time, I think that we are all missing out on a tremendous opportunity.

Rachel Storch 4th Senate Responses

1. Why do you think you are the best potential nominee for the 4th Senate Seat?

As a third-term State Representative, as former Legal Counsel/Policy Director to the Democratic Leader in the State Senate, as former Deputy Chief of Staff to United States Jean Carnahan, and as a former legal aid attorney at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, I bring a unique mix of policy, political, and legal experience to the table.

In an era of term limits, experience matters. During my five years in the legislature, I have been an effective and vocal representative for my constituents and residents across Missouri. As a member of the House Budget Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations Committee on Economic Development and Transporation (Ranking Democrat), and the House Committee on Energy and Environment, I have actively participated in intense policy debates on a wide variety of issues and have often been at the forefront of these debates in the Democratic Caucus.

As a member of the Budget Committee, I have been successful in garnering funding for a number of critical programs by authoring amendments to the budget bills and working with my colleagues in a bipartisan way to ensure that the amendments are accepted. Specifically, I introduced and passed the amendment to secure $12 million for Metro during the 2009 session -- despite opposition from many rural legislators. I also passed amendments in 2009 to retain funding for: 45 inspectors for nursing home and childcare facilities; crisis nurseries; Children's Treatment Services (which prevent child abuse and neglect); as well as a program to help elderly immigrants naturalize. In a prior year, among other items, I passed an amendment to add $300,000 to the budget to establish the SafeCare program -- this program trains doctors, nurses, and other health care providers who come into contact with children to identify and treat the symptoms of child abuse, specifically child sex abuse. The SafeCare program has now been implemented across the state of Missouri.

We are living in a difficult time. As elected officials, we face many challenges, including how to implement the federal stimulus and potentially, how to implement federal health care reform. My prior experience in the Missouri House and Senate, as well as at the federal level in the United States Senate, ensures that I will be able to hit the ground running as an effective advocate for residents in the 4th Senatorial district. I am fortunate to have good relationships with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Jefferson City. I have been privileged to work in government for many years now and I am versed in the legislative process. I also worked as a legal aid attorney (I served as an Americorps*VISTA attorney during part of this time) and that experience heightened my perspective on the needs of residents in the City of St. Louis.

In closing, I am the only candidate who brings this unique and powerful mix of experiences to the table, and as a lifelong resident of St. Louis, it would be my honor to take these experiences and put them to work for the 4th district.

2. How would you approach representing a district as diverse as the 4th Senatorial?

One of the most important aspects of serving successfully in elected office is the capacity to listen. I have always, and will always, maintain an "open door" policy for all of my constituents. The diversity of the 4th Senatorial district enriches the quality of life for St. Louis residents. I will always work hard to represent all constituencies fairly and fully, whether it relates to economic, educational, or cultural opportunities.

3. How will you effectively represent Democratic interests in Jefferson City as a member of the minority party?

For the last 5 years, I have served as a member of the minority party in Jefferson City. In this capacity, I have always maintained strong relationships with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both the House and the Senate. For this reason, I have been successful in garnering key committee assignments and in offering amendments to the budget to secure funding for critical programs such as Metro ($12 million in 2009); the SAFECARE network; nursing home and child care inspectors; and other programs whose mission is to improve the quality of life for St. Louis families.

4. What is your position on local control of the police department?

I support local control and would work with city officials, the police department, and St. Louis residents to achieve this goal.

Would you sponsor a bill establishing local control? Yes.

5. How would you propose to solve the budget problem of increasing pension costs for City of St. Louis employees?

As an elected official representing the city, I am acutely aware of the dire situation regarding the city employee pension program and recently met with the mayor and other city officials to discuss the problem. Although no solutions have yet been advanced, I fully intend to work in concert with all relevant officials at the city and state levels to provide relief for the city budget and to protect city employees.

6. How would you work to foster economic development in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views about historic tax credits.

As the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee for Economic Development and Transportation, as well as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which deals with tax policy, and the House Budget Committee, I have spent the last five years fighting to enhance economic opportunities for people and businesses in the City of St. Louis.

One of my focuses has been the Life Sciences. Missouri is poised to be a national, possibly international leader in the life sciences based on the world-class research institutions and a very substantial industry base that already exists here. St. Louis is at the vanguard, thanks to institutions such as Washington University, the Danforth Plant Science Center, large companies such as Monsanto and Pfizer, and smaller companies such as those run by the entrepreneurs at the Center for Emerging Technologies (located in the 64th House district). I believe the General Assembly has a critical role in supporting the advances that are taking place. In a nationally and globally-competitive world, the state needs to make the right investments to develop the life sciences industry in St. Louis. That is why I have continued to fight for increased funding for Missouri's life sciences trust fund.

In 2008, I sponsored House Bill 2260, which would create a tax credit for qualified research expenditures for research and development in biotechnology. HB 2260 passed the House with strong bipartisan support. In 2009, we came very close to passing this language through the Senate as well and I will continue to work until it passes both chambers. I am also a strong advocate for business incubators and innovation centers, and believe that we must provide support for small companies as they enter the marketplace.

One of the most critical parts of our economic landscape hinges on how well we educate our workforce. Missouri must do more to provide job training and re-training programs for our youth and for those who have lost their jobs. Consistently, business leaders tell me that education and educated workforce are top priorities for them when it comes to state policy. I will continue to fight hard to ensure that resources are available in the St. Louis area for job training and re-training.

Even prior to the recent economic recession, families in St. Louis have struggled acutely with the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and the increasing costs of higher education. At the same time, they are being pinched by the volatile cost of gas and higher food costs. More than 13,000 families across Missouri have lost their homes due to the mortgage crisis. We were recently ranked 48th in the nation in annual wage growth. I want to make sure that economic opportunities are available to city residents across the spectrum. The state must ensure that women and minority business owners are included in potential opportunities. As a member of the Missouri Women's Council, I participate actively in efforts to ensure that all women are made aware of a variety of economic opportunities. I have also been involved with Missouri Women in Trades.

I am a strong advocate for targeted tax credit programs and believe that they are a critical part of the urban revitalization landscape in Missouri. I have fought and will continue to fight to ensure that programs with a proven track record such as the Historic Preservation Tax Credits, the Brownfield Tax Credits, Youth Opportunity Tax Credits, and Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credits are sustained and supported. In particular, the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program (which is a national model) has been pivotal to development in the city and must be protected.

For my work on economic development issues, I have been recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal ("Legislative Leadership" Award); the St. Louis RCGA ("Lewis and Clark Statesman Award"); and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce ("Spirit of Enterprise" Award).

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.

As a legislator representing part of St. Louis City, where the school district is currently unaccredited, I am particularly concerned about the state of education. Although there are many success stories in the city schools (stories that often receive little or no media exposure), the reality is that only 50-60% of the students currently graduate. Very few go on to college or post-secondary education. This is unacceptable.

I am committed to fighting for more access in St. Louis to programs that have a proven track record of success: universal pre-school; reading and math specialists; more after-school programs; and more professional development for teachers and principals.

I support programs like Teach for America, College Bound, and College Summit that have made an investment in St. Louis schools. It is critical that the local districts and the state work together to seek out best practices and implement them across Missouri.

For the last few years, I have been proud to sponsor legislation that would establish a program in Missouri called "21st Century Scholars." This program guarantees state college tuition assistance to low-income students who pledge to remain drug and alcohol free and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. The program will ask students in 7th or 8th grade to make a written pledge to stay alcohol and drug free. Upon high school graduation, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and aggressively pursue available scholarships. The 21st Century Scholars program will then cover any remaining tuition costs, as long as students have not been adjudicated for any drug or alcohol related crime or violated a school substance abuse policy.

Tuition for the University of Missouri has increased and is now higher than any other Big 12 school. For many St. Louis students, higher education is now out of reach. Cost barriers should not prevent our students from accessing the education they need to succeed in a 21st century economy. Unfortunately, the Center for Public Policy and Higher Education gives Missouri an "F" when it comes to affordability. I believe that programs like 21st Century Scholars will create opportunities for thousands of St. Louis students to go to college or another type of post-secondary institution.

Personally, I have tutored in the first grade at the Adams School for four of the five years that I have served in the legislature. Education is a community responsibility and I believe that members of the community should be encouraged to participate in neighborhood schools.

In the United States, public education has always been the great equalizer, and every child should have access to a quality education.

Regarding school choice, I am a strong supporter of charter schools and believe that they offer much opportunity for children in St. Louis. I am proud that the new language immersion charter school is in the 64th House district.

Although funding is certainly not the sole answer for problems in the educational system, it is certainly critical that schools receive adequate funding, particularly in high-poverty areas.

8. Missouri lags behind many states in terms of alternative energy, energy efficiency, etc. What are your views on these and other environmental issues?

As a member of the Energy and Environment Committee, as well as a member of the new Joint Energy Committee, I am a strong supporter of alternative energy opportunities. I believe Missouri needs a diverse energy portfolio, including wind and solar energy. In the past, I have voted in favor of targeted tax incentives to support alternative and renewable energy sources and "green" practices (solar panels and equipment; hybrid vehicles, etc.). I was also a supporter of Proposition C. In 2008, I was one of 12 Americans to receive an Eisenhower fellowship to study energy issues.

9. As State Senator, what could you do to improve health insurance / care in Missouri?

As a former legal aid attorney and state representative, I have been deeply involved in the healthcare debate in Missouri. In 1997, I was a member of a taskforce to enroll Missouri children in the original Children's Health Insurance Program and was engaged in advocacy with the state as it shaped the CHIP program. As a legislator, I was an outspoken opponent of Blunt's Medicaid cuts in 2005 and a co-sponsor of legislation to re-establish coverage for those affected. I have also sponsored legislation that would require the Department of Social Services to track the number of children in Missouri without access to health insurance. I am asked to speak frequently at forums and public presentations on this subject. As State Senator, I would use my platform to work closely with Governor Nixon to achieve his agenda of establishing healthcare coverage for Missouri children (as well as for the nearly 800,000 Missourians without health insurance). If federal healthcare reform passes, I will use my prior experience at the federal and state level to facilitate implementation at the state level.

I also serve on the boards of a number of healthcare-oriented community organizations, including Nurses for Newborns, and have been very involved with advocacy on behalf of hospitals in and nearby the 64th district (Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital; St. Louis Children's Hospital; Barnes Hospital; Siteman Cancer Center; and Forest Park Hospital). I have received a number of awards on the basis of my healthcare advocacy including: Cardinal Glennon's Champion for Children award; Paraquad Disability Rights award; Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Legislative Advocacy award; Institute for Family Medicine award.

10. What is your long-term commitment to this position?

My short- and long-term commitment to this position is that I will wake up every day thinking about everything in my power that I can do to improve life for the residents of the 4th Senatorial district. I will bring to the table my prior experience in Washington, DC and in Jefferson City to continue achieving the highest quality results.

Do you plan to seek re-election? I plan to file for re-election.

Joseph Keaveny 4th Senate Responses

1. Why do you think you are the best potential nominee for the 4th Senate Seat?

I have lived in the 28th Ward my entire life. The 28th Ward has a broad mix of ethnicities, religions, income levels and social backgrounds. Through my experience as Committeeman, serving on the neighborhood organizations and the neighborhood housing corp, I have been able to work with people from a wide array of backgrounds and to build lasting relationships.

2. How would you approach representing a district as diverse as the 4th Senatorial?

The key is open communication. I will make myself available to hear the interests and issues of all areas of the District. I will rely on my relationships with Democratic committee people and ask them to introduce me to the individuals and groups in their neighborhoods whom I should know. I already have a working relationship with most of them, so I believe that I could utilize those relationships fairly quickly. Over time I will develop more relationships with other interested groups in the District.

3. How will you effectively represent Democratic interests in Jefferson City as a member of the minority party?

I intend to develop relationships with key senators in the majority party. I have an open personality and I can work well with people of different interests and backgrounds. For the issues that I think are most important, this will involve negotiation and possibly holding up some other legislation in order to create an opportunity for negotiation.

4. What is your position on local control of the police department?

I believe it is essential that control of the police department be given back to the City of St. Louis. Most proponents of this position cite the budget as the reason--police represent a very significant portion of the City's overall budget. But important as the budget issue is, I think it's even more important that we make our citizens feel as though they have some input, some ability to exercise influence and control over the Police. This lack of control and lack of input has led to many problems over the years, including disparities in policing practices based on race. Our City will not be the great city we all want it to be until this is resolved.

Would you sponsor a bill establishing local control? Yes.

5. How would you propose to solve the budget problem of increasing pension costs for City of St. Louis employees?

I am open to ideas. A couple of things immediately come to mind. During my career , I served as a Senior Portfolio Manager. I managed several private pensions for local employers. We have to convince the employees that a pension that may be underfunded doesn't mean that the pension is bankrupt. A period of under/over funding of a pension does not effect the ability to pay benefits. In an effort to address the problem in the future, we could reduce the pension benefits for new hires or utilize some sort of cost share.

6. How would you work to foster economic development in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views about historic tax credits.

I would work with developers and civic leaders to determine their needs for development. I feel historic tax credits are essential and would work to be sure that they are not eliminated for budgetary reasons. Saint Louis has some beautiful architecture that we need to save. It is just not cost effective to rehab some of these buildings without the subsidy of historic tax credits.

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.

We need to work with the Saint Louis Public schools so that they can succeed. They have made significant improvements in recent years and I would hope will continue into the future. We need to make sure that they are properly funded and provide them with the tools that they need. I think we need to give the City of Saint Louis the authority to sponsor charter schools. We need to give parents a choice of which school they should send their children. With this authority, the City would be responsible for the monitoring of charter schools. That mechanism would allow the City to encourage successful charter schools and close under-performing charter schools.

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 am a proponent of alternative energy and energy efficiency. We need to provide incentives for production and consumption of alternative energy. I am reluctant to issue mandates. I feel mandates in this area merely promote inefficient markets. Through incentives, though the price may be somewhat higher, we can encourage responsible consumption and production of energy for the better well-being of us all.

9. As State Senator, what could you do to improve health insurance /care in Missouri?

I can speak to the necessity of providing healthcare for all of our citizens. Preventive healthcare is so much more affordable than emergency care. When a person has no insurance it is usually the preventive care that is ignored. So what happens is that what could have been prevented by a visit to the doctor is transformed to a visit to the emergency room, at a much higher cost to society. We need healthcare reform

10. What is your long-term commitment to this position? Do you plan to seek re-election?

I would like to serve in this position as long as my constituents will have me. Yes, I plan on seeking re-election.

4th District Senate Nominee Questions

Based on conversations with 15th Ward / 4th Senate District constituents about what issues they think are most important to the district, Committeeman Gregg Christian and I put together a list of 10 questions (see below) that we are asking each of the potential nominees who contact us to respond to. I will post their responses here once they are all received.

1. Why do you think you are the best potential nominee for the 4th Senate Seat?

2. How would you approach representing a district as diverse as the 4th Senatorial?

3. How will you effectively represent Democratic interests in Jefferson City as a member of the minority party?

4. What is your position on local control of the police department? Would you sponsor a bill establishing local control?

5. How would you propose to solve the budget problem of increasing pension costs for City of St. Louis employees?

6. How would you work to foster economic development in the City of St. Louis? Please include your views about historic tax credits.

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.

8. Missouri lags behind many states in terms of alternative energy, energy efficiency, etc. What are your views on these and other environmental issues?

9. As State Senator, what could you do to improve health insurance / care in Missouri?

10. What is your long-term commitment to this position? Do you plan to seek re-election?