Republican Bill Lucas of De Soto and Democrat David George of De Soto are vying on Nov. 5 to represent District 115. The seat was vacated by Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, who ran unsuccessfully in the August primary for the Republican nomination for state Senate District 3.
District 115 covers parts of Festus, Hillsboro, De Soto, Valles Mines and Dittmer in Jefferson County.
The term is for two years, and state legislators receive a salary of $39,264, according to the 2023-2024 Official Manual State of Missouri,.
Lucas, 66, of De Soto is a retired machinist. He was a machinist for 40 years, including 10 years in aircraft and 15 years as a powerplant field machinist. He graduated from De Soto High School in 1976 and Jefferson College in 1990. He earned a certificate of industrial foremanship in 1989. He is married to Donna and has three children and six grandchildren.
George, 55, of De Soto is retired. He earned a bachelor’s degree in information security systems at ITT Technical Institute in 2007, a master’s degree in business administration at ITT Technical Institute in 2009 and studied for a doctorate in business administration and information security at North Central University from 2011-2015. He is married to Erin and has three children.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organization membership, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Lucas: I have held various offices with Amvets Post 48 and Amvets Riders, including president. My wife and I have served our wounded vets at Camp Hope since 2009.
George: I was an alderman for Olympian Village, a volunteer at the Girl Scouts of America, an assistant troop leader and Eagle Scout board representative for the Boy Scouts of America, and committee member for the De Soto Railroad Employees Memorial.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
Lucas: Infrastructure and industry. Expanding the Hwy. 21 improvements farther south would greatly help us grow in southern Jefferson County.
George: We need more union jobs available to this district and fully funded public schools and libraries, as well as a more competitive teacher pay scale.
According to many state legislators, the latest session wasn’t as productive as they would have liked with a near record-low number of bills passed. What do you think needs changed to address the problem?
Lucas: The Republican Party needs to come together and learn to reach consensus and vote together.
George: The lack of cooperation between the two parties in Jefferson City has crippled productivity up there.
State legislation recently was passed that raises the minimum teacher salary to $40,000, with no state funding mechanism attached. Do you think the state provides enough funding for education and why?
Lucas: I don’t have statistics on dollars from state funding, but it is probably not enough. Ballot candy/pork has led to waste. I believe money can be rerouted to teachers.
George: I do not think they provide enough funding because the state budget cuts over the last 20 years have forced many schools to increase fundraising projects in order to keep up with curriculum needs.
State legislators have proposed bills aimed at making it harder to amend the state constitution through an initiative petition. Do you support these efforts and why?
Lucas: Well, they failed. Again, the GOP fringed forced a filibuster and killed it. I feel the threshold could be raised.
George: I do not think attempts to stifle the will of the voters are representative of a free and fair democratic society.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Lucas: Because I love my country and my state. We need some common sense back in Jefferson City. My Marine Corps training instilled the importance of team work, loyalty and service. I want to serve again and help steady the ship.
George: I will try to make it easier to form union shops in this state, to fully fund public schools and end the voucher programs that seek to divert taxpayer dollars to fill the pockets of the rich and to increase teacher pay to help us improve Missouri schools.