On Friday, July 9th the RCGA's Public Policy Council hosted a Missouri Senate Candidate Forum for three open seats in the region: District 14 in North St. Louis County, District 24 in Central and West St. Louis County, and District 26 in Franklin, Warren and West St. Louis County. The candidates for these districts met with the Council, answering many questions from the group about important issues facing the region and state.
The candidates from District 14 spoke on a variety of issues, including transportation, education, business incentives and health care. Former University City mayor Joe Adams (D) stressed the need to invest in transportation infrastructure, protect science and innovation, and focus on education basics like reading and math. Rep. Don Calloway (D-71) focused on his role in drafting economic development legislation, supporting the Historic Preservation tax credit program, and increasing health care affordability. Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-72) spoke about her bipartisan efforts to pass legislation, job creation, and opportunities for Missouri businesses to export more goods. The fourth candidate, Rep. Ted Hoskins (D-80), was unable to attend the forum.
The candidates from District 24 covered a variety of topics as well. St. Louis County Councilwoman Barbara Fraser (D) lauded the St. Louis region as the economic engine of the state and spoke about the need to support emerging technologies, as well as her passion for public education and her bipartisan efforts to make St. Louis County smoke-free. John Lamping (R), a financial adviser at Wells Fargo, spoke about his commitment to community service and the need to support the plant and life sciences, the Midwest China Hub Commission, and the NorthSide development project. Former Missouri Rep. Sam Page (D), an anesthesiologist, spoke about his role as a coalition builder in the House and his work in the health care arena to increase transparency, affordability and access. All three candidates voiced their support for the Historic Preservation tax credit program.
The candidates from District 26 focused on their past experience, leadership roles, and ability to accomplish their policy goals. Former Missouri Rep. Jack Jackson (R) stated that individuals and businesses are overburdened by taxes, and that he supported giving businesses incentives and loans to help them retain and create jobs in the state. Rep. Brian Nieves (R-98) spoke about his passion and energy for lawmaking, focusing on his role as House Majority Whip in passing bills to improve the business climate in Missouri. Former Washington mayor Dick Stratman (R) stressed the need for an educated workforce and investments in infrastructure to drive business growth. |
