The Leader continues its Voters Guide for the Aug. 4 primary election. To assist an expected high number of people who will cast absentee and mail-in ballots, we will be posting profiles on candidates in contested races and ballot issues. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot or mail-in ballot is July 22. For information, call the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at 636-797-5486.
Rob Vescovo faces only one hurdle in his bid to serve a fourth two-year term representing District 112 in the Missouri House of Representatives.
In the Aug. 4 primary election, Vescovo, of Arnold, will square off against fellow Republican Chad Bicknell of Arnold.
The winner will run unopposed in the November general election, as no one else from any other party filed for the seat.
Because of the state’s term limit standards, if he wins, it will be his last term in the state House.
Vescovo, the current House majority leader, did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
District 112 covers portions of north and central Jefferson County.
State representatives are paid $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.
BICKNELL, 29, lives in Arnold. He is single and is a supervisor.
A graduate of Seckman High School, Bicknell attended Southeast Missouri State University.
Social media: Website: chadwickbicknellforcongress.com
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Bicknell: I did a lot of volunteer work with the college ministry’s Campus Outreach. I mostly did tech stuff but I helped lead groups of men to shape them to be servants like Christ. Being a servant is main requirement for being a public servant.
Should the General Assembly pass legislation to allow counties, cities and other local jurisdictions to join the state in collecting sales taxes from internet purchases? Why or why not?
Bicknell: No. There should never have been a tax on internet purchases to begin with.
Where should the state budget be cut to make up for unexpected expenses incurred to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic?
Bicknell: The budget needs to be trimmed around the state capital; $35 million is allotted to the House, Senate and governor. As public servants, they should take the first cut to help the rest of the state in these uncertain times.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Bicknell: I am not running to have a lifelong career. I want to get my goals accomplished and be done. We have elected people who only care about their next election and once they term out of their current spot, they run for the next office. I just want to help Missouri. My goals:
■ End personal property taxes once and for all.
■ End federal level interference in our state.
■ Pass laws that will protect the people of Missouri from vile acts, like those happening in antifa-controlled zones, around our nation right now.