Republican Doug Richey and Democrat Abby Zavos are running for Missouri State House Representative for the 38th district in Missouri. Richy is a pastor who emphasizes his desire to protect the Constitution, promote free-market principles, foster robust educational opportunities and promote public safety through support of first responders. Zavos is a self-employed jewelry designer who emphasizes her desire to increase funding for public schools over private school vouchers, increase infrastructure funding, increase jobs, establish affordable healthcare, support renewable energy to combat climate change and ensure equal rights for all.

In the race for state auditor, the primary candidates are Democratic incumbent Nicole Galloway and Republican Saundra McDowell. Galloway is campaigning on her record of running the office under budget and promises of delivering results to taxpayers, protecting privacy and representing all Missourians. McDowell is campaigning on pro-Trump ideas and on seeking justice and transparency from the auditory office. Also running for auditor are Green Party candidate Don Fitz, Constitution Party candidate Jacob Luetkemeyer and Libertarian Sean O’Toole.

In the race for Clay County recorder of deeds, Republican incumbent Katee Porter is running against Democrat Bruce Cantwell. Porter is campaigning on her record and on professionalism, accountability, financial responsibility and transparency. Information on Cantwell’s campaign is limited.

Republican Victor S. Hurlbert is the only candidate running for Clay County auditor. Hurlbert is a financial advisor with a masters in theology.

Republican incumbent Megan Thompson is running against Democrat Tom Brandom for Clay County clerk. Republican incumbent Lydia McEvoy is running unopposed for Clay County collector of revenue.

In the race for Clay County presiding commissioner, Republican Jerry Nolte is running against Democrat Wendi Bridges.

Democratic incumbent Daniel White is running unopposed for Clay County prosecuting attorney.

Also on the ballot is the Missouri Constitutional Amendment 1, which would change the way in which districts are reapportioned. The wording of the proposed amendment is as follows:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to: change process and criteria for redrawing state legislative districts during reapportionment; change limits on campaign contributions that candidates for state legislature can accept from individuals or entities; establish a limit on gifts that state legislators, and their employees, can accept from paid lobbyists; prohibit state legislators, and their employees, from serving as paid lobbyists for a period of time; prohibit political fundraising by candidates for or members of the state legislature on State property; and require legislative records and proceedings to be open to the public? State governmental entities estimate annual operating costs may increase by $189,000. Local governmental entities expect no fiscal impact.

The complicated amendment has caused some polarization, and proponents are generally on the left, while opponents are generally on the right.

“Supporters of the amendment say it would improve the Legislature’s transparency and integrity, reduce the influence of lobbyists, end a ‘revolving door’ between legislators and lobbyists and improve the redistricting process so more districts would be competitive in elections,” according to vote411.com. “Opponents say the proposed changes would harm the ability of interest groups to advocate and not result in more fairly-drawn legislative districts. They also say too much power would be given to the state auditor, who would refer three applicants for the demographer position for selection by legislative leaders. They also complain that the measure contains too many issues and will be confusing to voters.”

Missouri Constitutional Amendment 4 proposes changing language of the Constitution to remove an unenforceable provision about bingo advertising and would allow a member of an organization to participate in managing the games after six months membership. The current requirement is two years.

The rest of the issues on the ballot include judicial retention of Missouri Supreme Court judge W. Brent Powell; Missouri Supreme Court judge Mary Rhodes Russell; Missouri Court of Appeals Western District judge Edward R. Ardini, Jr.; Associate Circuit Judge 7th Judicial Circuit Division No. 5 David P. Chamberlain; Associate Circuit Judge 7th Judicial Circuit Division No. 6 Karen Lee Krauser; and associate Circuit Judge 7th Judicial Circuit Division No. 9 Tim Flook.

A sample ballot for Liberty, Missouri, can be found here. Don’t forget to vote Nov. 6 as every voice is important, and you have a right to take part in our democracy, despite the difficulty of voting for college students.

Photo courtesy of KFVS12.

One of the biggest questions facing Missouri voters this November is whether or not to increase the state gas tax – the question posed by Proposition D. The gas tax currently sits at 17 cents per gallon, one of the lowest in the Midwest. It would increase by 2.5 cents every year for four years, a total increase of 10 cents. It is estimated that the tax would generate at least $288 million annually for the Highway Patrol and $123 million annually to local governments for road construction.

The bill containing this measure, which was sponsored by State Rep. Jean Evans (R-Manchester) passed the House by a vote of 88-60 back in May.

Proponents of the tax argue that there are many bridges and roads in need of repair and the tax would help pay for those repairs.

“We have major projects that need to be worked on here in Kansas City,” said State Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City).

However, there are some who oppose the tax.

“We’re increasing revenues for the state and taking it out of the pockets of hard-working Americans,” said State Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters).

There are also many citizens who are wary about paying the government more in taxes.

If the tax increase gets at least 50 percent approval, the tax will be 27 cents per gallon by 2022. Although citizens will be paying more, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and cities would use the extra money – a projected $288 million – on road and infrastructure projects.

Missouri Amendment 2, which is backed by New Approach Missouri, is one of three medical marijuana initiatives on the ballot. It proposes legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, a tax rate of 4 percent on marijuana sales and spending the tax revenue on health care services for veterans.

Missouri Amendment 3, which is financed by Springfield attorney and doctor Brad Bradshaw, would also legalize medical marijuana, but with a tax rate of 15 percent and the revenue would go towards a Biomedical Research and Drug Development Institute. According to Bradshaw, the amendment “will create 10,000-plus new jobs and it will create billions of economic impact for the state of Missouri.”

The third and final medical marijuana-based initiative on the ballot is Proposition C, which is supported by Missourians For Patient Care. It has the lowest tax rate among the three initiatives at two percent and the revenue will go to many areas, including education and law enforcement. As a proposition, it differs from the other two as it is a new law, while the other initiatives are amendments.

If any one of these initiatives passes, Missouri would join 30 other states in legalizing medical marijuana. The initiative you vote for really depends on whether you want a higher or lower tax rate, and where you want that money to go. If both amendments pass, the one with the most yes votes will take effect.

Opponents argue that medical marijuana leads to an increase in crime, while proponents see many benefits – not only for patients but for the economy as well.

The other big initiative on the ballot is Proposition B, led by Missouri Business for Fair Minimum Wage and Raise Up Missouri. If passed, the minimum wage would increase every year until it reached $12 in 2023. It would then increase or decrease based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Employers who paid employees under the minimum wage would also be penalized under this initiative. The current minimum wage in Missouri is $7.85.

The proposal would result in an increase of more than $1 billion in consumer buying power in Missouri, according to an analysis conducted by the Economic Policy Institute. It would affect over 670,000 Missouri workers by the time it is fully implemented.

Lew Prince, treasurer of Raise Up Missouri, argues that “[r]aising wages for low-income workers would cut government spending and save taxpayer money.” Other proponents argue that people can’t afford basic necessities at the current minimum wage.

Opponents, like Rep. Warren Love (R-Osceola), argue that the government shouldn’t interfere in these issues and cite studies that question if a higher minimum wage is beneficial for the economy.

These are some of the issues facing Missouri voters this election. There will be a total of four amendments and three propositions on the ballot. A sample of the ballot can be seen here.

For any of these initiatives to pass, they will need at least 50 percent of the vote.

The midterm elections are Nov. 6. I strongly encourage everyone to not just go out and vote but to also do research and make informed decisions regarding these important issues. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “[d]emocracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”

Photo courtesy of riverfronttimes.com.

As of October 2, 2018, Kansas City mayoral candidates are (top row, from left): Quinton Lucas, Scott Wagner, Rita Berry, Phil Glynn. (Bottom row, from left) Jermaine Reed, Alissia Canady, Scott Taylor, Steve Miller.

Election season is upon us, and The Hilltop Monitor is going to have a series of articles previewing local elections for this year and next year. An important election coming in mid-2019 is the Kansas City mayoral election. It is important to note that this election is non-partisan and will mark the end of current mayor Sly James’ final term.

Currently, the number of candidates is down to eight after Jason Kander dropped out, citing his battle with PTSD and depression as the reason for his exit. Here is a quick synopsis on each candidates’ background, ideas and goals, as well as the potential impact this election will have on Kansas City.

Rita Berry, or Rita Bee, is a Kansas City businesswoman. Formerly the general manager at gospel radio station KGGN 890 AM, she now volunteers at her church. Berry, a non-politician, says she will put people first. Her main focus will be lowering the crime rate, which she hopes to accomplish by strengthening the relationship between communities and the police.

Jermaine Reed is serving his second term on the city council, where he represents the third district. As chairman of the transportation and infrastructure committee, he oversaw the grand opening of the streetcar and looks to continue to improve transportation in the city. Reed has fought to remove economic barriers for citizens and establish a living wage – something he would continue to fight for as mayor. He also wants to create more jobs – one way he plans to do this is by having Kansas City natives work on the construction of a new terminal at Kansas City International airport.

Phil Glynn owns a small business in the Crossroads Art District and was previously a member of the Tax Increment Financing commission in Kansas City. Glynn’s plan for Kansas City centers around investing in the city’s greatest resources: people, neighborhoods and the river. In regards to people, his focus will be on improving the quality of and access to education, funding a program to teach job skills to citizens and implementing common sense gun control laws. For our neighborhoods, he wants to produce more affordable housing and expand the reach of public transportation. Glynn believes that the Missouri River is currently being under-utilized and that it holds economic and educational potential.

Steve Miller is a lawyer who spent 35 years in construction law and co-founded a law firm that operates in downtown Kansas City. Miller pledges to keep the public’s trust and finish the projects that were started under Sly James, like KCI and the streetcar. Miller’s focus will mainly be on lowering the crime rate which he calls a “national embarrassment,” as well as improving education. Miller also wants to fairly allocate resources to improve all regions and neighborhoods of Kansas City.

Before being elected to the city council in 2015 to represent the fifth district, Alissia Canady served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson County. Public safety is her number one issue. As mayor, Canady would focus on addressing gun violence, mental health and health equity concerns. For the economy, she vows to put small businesses before developers and create an entrepreneur-friendly city. Canady also wants to attract high-quality jobs and, like other candidates, wants construction of the airport to benefit Kansas City workers and companies.

Scott Taylor has served as a city councilman for the sixth district since 2011 and was appointed as the chairman of the planning and zoning committee by Mayor Sly James in 2015. Taylor also served as vice president to the Center School District Board. First and foremost, Taylor vows to be transparent to the citizens of Kansas City. Taylor’s main focuses will be on improving and maintaining neighborhoods, reducing crime, improving education and supporting small businesses.

Scott Wagner represents the first district and currently serves as mayor pro tem. That means he would assume mayoral duties in the event of a mayor’s absence due to death, physical incapacity, impeachment or resignation. As mayor, Wagner would continue to fight for the issues he has fought for while on the city council. He will look to improve the safety and appearance of the city and will continue his work on economic initiatives that will bring new jobs into Kansas City. Wagner received his bachelor of science in history, business and economics from William Jewell College.

Quinton Lucas is an attorney and, currently, the youngest city councilman, where he represents the third district. Lucas’ main goal, if elected mayor, would be to “make sure everyone in KC has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their zip code.” One of the policies he has fought for during his time on the city council, and will continue to fight for, is increasing the availability and quality of affordable housing. For public safety, Lucas wants more policing and better response times.

One thing that all of these candidates generally agree upon is that this is one of the most significant elections in the city’s history. They all understand the importance of continuing the momentum started by Sly James. This will determine whether Kansas City will continue to grow and improve, or whether growth will falter, setting us back. It is important to have a strong leader devoted to the people of Kansas City in order for this city to continue its growth.

Sly James – elected mayor in 2011 – created a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Some of James’ achievements include overseeing work on the streetcar, turning Kansas City into a hub for innovation with initiatives like KC Stat, and improving the city’s national profile. His ‘4 E Agenda,’ the E’s standing for education, efficiency, employment and enforcement, has been the driving force behind most of his policies and accomplishments.

James is in his final term, which will end in 2019, but his legacy is one that will be talked about, seen and remembered for many years to come.

The election will take place Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Remember, whether it is a presidential election, a mayoral election or even a city council election, it is always important for people to go out and vote.

Photo courtesy of KCUR.

In Missouri, the race for Senate has focused on Democrat Claire McCaskill, an incumbent, and Republican Josh Hawley.

McCaskill, 65, has been in the Senate since 2006 and was previously the state auditor and Jackson County Prosecutor. The senator has campaigned on her ability to work across the aisle and has reached out to moderates in the state – not wanting to appear too liberal in the red state

McCaskill visited all 50 counties in the state and held town halls in each. McCaskill has emphasized her positions on combating the opioid crisis, education and job creation. The senator has been criticized on the left for failing to appeal to black voters and on the right for being too liberal.

Hawley, 38, is the current attorney general and is campaigning on his conservative tendencies in court and on conservative views on issues in general. The attorney general is emphasizing his background fighting “big government and big business, the special interests, organized crime […] and anyone who would threaten the well-being of Missourians” in court.

Hawley’s primary issues include fighting for religious liberty and fighting against government overreach, the opioid crisis and human trafficking. Hawley has been criticized for being a political opportunist and for his position on healthcare.

The election is projected to be close and a potential seat for Democrats to lose in the Senate.

More information on McCaskill and Hawley can be found on their campaign websites (McCaskill, Hawley), in these articles (McCaskill, Hawley, both) and here.

The Kansas City, Missouri, area is in both the fifth and sixth congressional districts for the House of Representatives. In the race in the fifth district, Democratic incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II is running against Republican Jacob Turk.

Cleaver ran uncontested in the Democratic primary and has been in the House since 2005. The representative has campaigned on civility, bipartisanship and representing black Missourians.

Turk ran against Cleaver in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Turk has campaigned on commitments to small business and a strong military.

Cleaver is projected to win. You can get more information about Cleaver and Turk on their campaign websites (Cleaver, Turk) and on Cleaver’s congressional website.

In the sixth district, Republican incumbent Sam Graves is running against Democrat Henry Martin.

Graves was first elected a state representative in 1992. He is campaigning on issues of fiscal discipline, family values and gun rights. Martin is campaigning on issues of health care and taxes as a veteran.

More information can be found on their campaign websites (Graves, Martin) and on Graves’ congressional website.

Kansas City, Kansas, is in the third congressional district in Kansas. In this race, Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder is running against Democrat Sharice Davids.

Yoder has been in the House since 2010 and is campaigning on issues of cutting government spending, supporting public schools, health care and the military. Davids is campaigning on issues of the economy, education, health care, gun safety, the environment, immigration and equal rights.

More information can be found on their campaign websites (Yoder, Davids) and on Yoder’s congressional website. Don’t forget to vote in the midterm elections Nov. 6, 2018. You can learn more about local races here and here.

Photo courtesy of KQED.