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Benjamin, Pearce face off in Senate race
CHRIS BENJAMIN
Chris Benjamin, 33, of Freeman, Mo, a Democrat, is seeking election to the 31st District seat in the Missouri Senate.
What experience do you have that prepares you for office as the 31st District's Senate representative?
I'm a fifth generation resident of our district, a product of our public schools, and a local business owner. I know this district from the inside out. For several years, I worked as a staffer in our state capitol, giving me firsthand knowledge of how our legislature works. Between the two, I have the ability to work for our best interests right out of the gate as Senator.
Why did you choose to run for this seat?
I learned a lot during my time in Jefferson City, most of all how partisanship and personal interests have gotten in the way of doing what's right for our state. That's why I quit working for the Speaker of the House and came back home, but I couldn't stop thinking about all that could be done with elected representatives who wanted to work together to make Missouri better for all of us, especially as the issues we face became more and more critical in a worsening economy. I wanted to make use of all I've learned for the good of all of us, for my neighbors, friends, and family, so I chose to run for Senate.
In this volatile economy, what can be done at the state level to help consumers deal with fluctuating energy costs?
I am an all-of-the-above person when it comes to solving our energy crisis, whether it is drilling, renewable fuels, nuclear power, or just plain old efficiency, and I believe much can be done here at home. At a state level, we can provide tax incentives for families and businesses that choose to meet higher efficiency standards, as well as conduct state business with that in mind. I'm also a strong proponent of renewable fuels as well as renewable materials, like plastics which are currently derived from oil. Not only should those things help lower costs, they will also create jobs. We can press our Congressional delegation for more action as well. We also have to crack down on any would-be price gougers who try to take advantage of our citizens.
What are your thoughts on Proposition C, the initiative relating to renewable energy?
I am in favor of it. Renewable energy will help with both our rising costs and job creation.
Education and funding education are ongoing concerns. What are your thoughts on Proposition A?
I am against it. Education is far too important to gamble on its funding year to year by tying it to casinos.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I have a positive vision for this district and our state, and I've seen firsthand how extreme partisanship in Jefferson City is holding us back. My opponent has been a reliable vote for his party leadership in the Capitol, but not for his constituents on a wide range of issues, including cutting thousands of Missourians off of health insurance and corporate tax giveaways. I don't agree with my own party on every issue (for example, I am pro-life and pro-gun), and I'm not afraid to represent my constituents first. I will work with whoever I can to get things done for us because we cannot meet the challenges we face together if we refuse to work together.
Are you in favor of upgrading U.S. 71 to I-49? Why? Whether you're for or against, what should the legislature be doing to address this?
Yes, improving our infrastructure is a critical part of improving our economy. I will work with MODOT and our Congressional delegation to help facilitate a plan for I-49.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Missouri today? Why? How can the legislature help?
The economy. We have to create more good jobs with good benefits across our state, especially in areas like the 31st district. We need to make sure our small businesses do well, in particular by making it easier to afford health insurance. Our citizens have to be prepared for the jobs that exist now and will exist in the future, which is why I support our colleges and universities, as well as our community colleges and job-training for those who are out of work. Renewable energy is a strong source of job creation in rural areas as well, and I'd like to see the legislature further explore its expansion in Missouri. What we have to stop doing is offering multi-million dollar incentives to big corporations and their CEOs who make promises of bringing jobs that they don't fulfill.
DAVID PEARCE
David Pearce, 48, of Warrensburg, Mo., is seeking election to the 31st District seat in the Missouri Senate.
What experience do you have that prepares you for office as the 31st District's Senate representative?
As a husband and father, I have lived through the same experiences as my fellow citizens who I would like to represent in the Missouri Senate. I have served nine years on the Warrensburg school board and also served as president. As a former Chamber of Commerce executive director, I know what it takes to create quality jobs in Missouri. The first step in creating jobs is by making sure we keep taxes low.
Why did you choose to run for this seat?
I am running for state Senate for the right reasons. It isn't a move up the political ladder for me. I have always cared deeply for my community and we need good, qualified elected officials to lead our communities and state. I have the experiences necessary to be a good senator and want to use those experiences to give back to my fellow citizens.
In this volatile economy, what can be done at the state level to help consumers deal with fluctuating energy costs?
We must turn our attention to alternative fuels, biodiesel is a perfect example of how we can promote an industry right here in Vernon County. Just this past week I held a press conference with U.S. Senator Kit Bond at Prairie Pride to announce support for biodiesel and alternative fuels.
What are your thoughts on Proposition C, the initiative relating to renewable energy?
I think it is a positive thing to move our state in a direction that uses more renewable energy. However, with this particular proposal, the costs to implement these provisions would be passed onto consumers, which would be my number one concern. There is nothing in the proposal that prevents the cost from being passed onto consumers. I have a huge problem with that. The last thing I want to do is enact a state law that hurts Missourians, especially seniors on a fixed income.
Education and funding education are ongoing concerns. What are your thoughts on Proposition A?
Anytime we can put more resources into our local schools and classrooms, I am supportive. As a nine-year member of a public school board and past president, I know what a school board struggles with. However, I am opposed to the expansion of gaming.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I know in my heart that I am running for state Senate for the right reasons. Representing my fellow citizens in the Senate is not a political opportunity or a move up the political ladder for me. I've raised a family with my wife Teresa and we have made a decision to give back to our community. I have the life experiences necessary to represent the citizens of this district. I will keep taxes low, fight to create quality jobs and continue to make education a priority.
Are you in favor of upgrading U.S 71 to I-49? Why? Whether you're for or against, what should the legislature be doing to address this?
I strongly support upgrading U.S. 71 to I-49. Every city that is close to US 71 would economically benefit.
Transportation infrastructure is an important component of job creation. There are only so many dollars MoDOT has to operate with and I would work with community leaders and transportation officials to ensure that Vernon County received its fair share of road funding. I would also push to get a Highway Commissioner from this area.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Missouri today? Why? How can the legislature help?
Lowering taxes, creating jobs, giving our children a world class education and healthcare affordability are the most important issues.
These are issues that I have heard about the most while knocking on thousands of doors during the campaign. We have great opportunities to address these issues in the legislature. I would appreciate your vote of confidence to achieve them.