The Leader continues its Voters Guide for the Nov. 3 primary election. To assist an expected high number of people who wish to cast absentee and write-in ballots as early as possible, 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 5 p.m. Oct. 21; the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. For information, call the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at 636-797-5486.
If Shane Roden of Cedar Hill is to win a fourth term representing District 111 in the Missouri House of Representatives in the Nov. 3 general election, the Republican first must turn back a challenge from Democrat Daniel (Vern) Cherry of Dittmer.
If Roden wins a fourth two-year term, it will be his last as state representatives cannot serve more than eight years under term limits standards.
Both ran unopposed in August in their parties’ primary elections.
Roden did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
The district includes northwestern Jefferson County.
State senators and representatives receive a $35,915 annual salary plus mileage and $115 per day in expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
CHERRY, 92, lives in Dittmer. He has two children and four grandchildren.
He is retired after 52 years as a self-employed dentist, including 22 years as a part-time dental instructor at the Southern Illinois University at Alton School of Dental Medicine. He received a doctorate degree in dental science from St. Louis University in 1953.
Social media: Facebook: Vern Cherry
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Cherry: I am a current board member of Jefferson County 911 Dispatch. I served eight years on the Jefferson County Health Department Board of Trustees and I tutored students at Northwest High School in math for a year.
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?
Cherry: Yes, internet purchases should be taxed the same as purchases from the brick-and-mortar stores they compete against. The internet sellers aren’t contributing to the local economy through employment taxes, business or local taxes.
Where should the state budget be cut to make up for unexpected expenses incurred to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic? What should not be cut?
Cherry: I think COVID-19 is a national issue, not a state issue, and funds should be issued on that basis. Many have lost health insurance due to layoffs, which is another issue that should be dealt with on a national basis.
How would you assess the state government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic? What would you have done or what would you do differently?
Cherry: Poor. Complete failure to recognize that it was a respiratory disease and that facemasks are a simple way to avoid it.
What is your stance on Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which would repeal portions of the “Clean Missouri” initiative overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018?
Cherry: The voters’ 2018 ballot decision should stand. Republicans are assuming totalitarian-style government. In my years serving in the Navy, I lived in countries with that form of government, and believe me, we do not want to go down that road. Gerrymandering destroys democracy.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Cherry: I have served my profession and Jefferson County honestly for many years.
On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the strongest, how would you rate your support of your party’s nominee for president? Explain your reasoning.
Cherry: 1. He has experience. He has endured personal tragedies and endured in a positive manner. He served well under President Obama.