Democrat Sean Fauss of Arnold, Republican Dan Shaul of Imperial and Constitution Party candidate Donna Ivanovich of Arnold are competing Nov. 4 for an open District 113 state representative seat.
The current representative, Democrat Jeff Roorda of Barnhart, is running for the 22nd District state Senate seat and did not file for re-election in the 113th.
District 113 covers northeast Jefferson County.
State representatives serve two-year terms. The pay is $35,915 per year, a weekly allowance for miles traveled going to and returning from meetings, and expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
Fauss, 25, lives at 2231 Summit Drive, Arnold. He studied government at St. Louis University and works as a member service counselor for AAA Missouri. He served as the Democratic committeeman for Arnold Township from 2011-2014 and currently serves as the 22nd Senatorial District Democratic committeeman. He is a former member of UFCW Local 655 and the Missouri National Education Association.
Shaul, 45, lives at 925 Falcon Drive in Imperial. He and his wife, Kim Shaul, have three children. He graduated from Parks College in 1992 and served in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged from active duty under the Troop Reduction Act of 1990. He became state director of the Missouri Grocers Association in 2006, the third generation of Shauls to lead the grocery industry through association management. He served as director of the Mid-America Grocers Association in St. Louis; is a past chairman of the Board for Food Industry Association Executives; served on the Food Marketing Industry Government Relations Committee; and was a board member for the National Grocers Association, where he was recognized with the Association Leadership Award. He has served on the Windsor C-1 Board of Education since 2010; Windsor-Freer Parents Association from 2004 to 2010; and the Church Council at Eden United Church of Christ from 1995 to 2005.
Ivanovich did not return a Leader survey.
What role, if any, should the General Assembly take to regulate abortion?
Fauss: The General Assembly should work to keep the procedure safe, rare, and legal. As both a society and a state, Missouri should strive to reduce the number of pregnancies ending in abortion. Criminalizing the procedure will not lead to fewer cases of abortion, but will lead to the death and mutilation of women in crisis. To reduce the number of pregnancies ended by abortion we need to implement comprehensive sex education; increase access to contraceptives; and lend aid to families supporting newborns, with programs such as paid maternity leave.
Shaul: I feel the General Assembly should have a very strong role in protecting the life of all human beings, both born and unborn. I also feel that the focus should be on what we can do to limit the number of unwanted pregnancies.
Give some examples of when you have split with your party's position on issues.
Fauss: I split with many in my party on the issue of Second Amendment rights. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. I oppose efforts to restrict firearm ownership from law-abiding citizens in good mental health. Another issue where I split with many in my party is the use of red-light cameras. I oppose the current way red-light cameras have been implemented. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution; unless the cameras can provide evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, they shouldn’t be used. The last example I will cite is my opposition to eminent domain and TIF (Tax Increment Finance) abuse. I believe that these instruments of development are frequently being used to unjustly remove people from their homes and subsidize big business, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab.
Shaul: I believe when I’m elected I will be asked to represent the citizens of District 113 and not just the Republicans who live there. It will be my honor and responsibility to vote for bills that will have a positive impact on this district and the state of Missouri. I often refer to one of my favorite quotes by John F. Kennedy: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”
Under what circumstances would you support an increase in Missouri's gasoline tax?
Fauss: Many of us in Jefferson County, including myself, drive a half-hour or more to and from work. My concern in raising the gas tax is that the burden will fall hardest on working families in Jefferson County. I had the same concern when deciding on Proposition 7 this August. I would only consider supporting an increase in the gas tax if it was needed for transportation and to the benefit of working families in my community.
Shaul: It will be my goal to evaluate the efficiency and proper use of all funds that are currently used by state agencies, particularly the Department of Transportation. The monies spent by all agencies need to adhere to the same level of transparency and audit trail as private sector companies and organizations. The idea of a fuel tax increase should only be considered if, after close examination and explanation, these criteria are met: The purpose of the funds is clearly identified, and the funds will provide for a higher level of public safety or will have a positive effect on the state economy.
What is the largest problem that needs to be fixed in Missouri's educational system and what action(s) should the Legislature take to correct it?
Fauss: The Missouri General Assembly’s failure to fund Missouri’s Education Foundation Formula is the biggest problem facing our schools. For the 2014 fiscal year: Fox was underfunded by $10,547,106 or $923 per student and Windsor was underfunded by $2,760,316 or $924 per student. I advocate fully funding the Missouri Education Foundation Formula. If elected, I will fight tirelessly to ensure we invest the proper amount of money in our schools. While in Jefferson City I will also work to guarantee our tax dollars are spent on students’ education, not lavish administrative packages and salaries.
Shaul: I believe the local school boards should retain control over the school districts, what they teach, and how they teach it. I’m also a strong supporter of holding everyone accountable in the education process: administration, teachers, students, and parents. All of these segments need to work together to create a successful learning environment.
What changes, if any, do you support in Missouri's campaign finance laws?
Fauss: Missouri is the only state without limits on lobbyist gifts or campaign donations. I strongly support changing Missouri’s campaign finance laws to limit the influence of money in politics. One action the Missouri General Assembly should take immediately is to ban lobbyist gifts. As taxpayers, we pay our representatives a per diem of $104 and a salary of roughly $36,000 a year, for five months of work. There is no reason any legislator should be eating on a lobbyist’s dime. If elected to the state House I pledge not to accept lobbyist gifts of any amount.
Shaul: Missouri’s campaign finance laws are some of the most open campaign finance laws in the United States. The key to them working as they are written is to ensure that all parties are held to the highest ethical standards and transparency possible. I would support legislation that will require that these high standards are adhered to by all and that transparency is the governing principle.
Why are you a better choice than your opponent?
Fauss: My opponent has spent his career lobbying on behalf of big business. He supports lowering the minimum wage and making it more difficult for employees to receive workers’ compensation after being injured in the workplace. Instead of actively advocating for fully funding our schools, he vigorously lobbies for fiscally risky tax schemes to benefit the wealthiest Missourians.
In contrast, I have spent my adult life fighting on behalf of working families. I will oppose union busting laws such as “right-to-work” and paycheck deception. If elected, I will advocate for fully funding our local schools. I will not risk our state’s credit rating pursuing tax breaks for the wealthy. Two of my priorities will be bringing our tax dollars home by passing Medicaid expansion and developing a port in Jefferson County. I will fight to reduce the influence of money in politics, and I pledge to never take gifts from lobbyists.
Shaul: I believe District 113 is in need of an experienced individual who will be able to draw upon his prior life accomplishments and experiences to lead this community to better jobs, a stronger economy and a more reliable and affordable education system. It is the sum of my experience serving in the U.S. Air Force, directing the Missouri Grocery Association and serving on the Windsor C-1 Board of Education that have prepared me to be an active part of the solutions to the issues that face this community and this state. I have a proven track record of bringing parties together for the greater good and working for a better future. I look forward to serving the citizens of District 113.