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Incumbent Michael Frame, D-Eureka, is seeking re-election as state representative for the 111th District and is challenged by firefighter/paramedic Shane Roden, R-Cedar Hill, who is taking his first run at elective office.

District 111 covers northwestern Jefferson County. Frame represented much of that area from 2006 through 2009, when it was District 105. After redistricting reformatted northwest Jefferson County into District 111, Frame was defeated in 2010, but then won election to the 111th state representative seat in 2012.

State representatives serve two-year terms. The pay for a Missouri state representative 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.

Frame, 53, lives at 416 Maple Hollow Trail, Eureka. He is divorced and has one child.

After graduating from South County Technical High School, he took certification courses in welding and graduated U.S. Navy Pipefitter/Shipfitter Training. He attended the Pipefitters Local 562 Training Facility and obtained his certified St. Louis County Mechanical License. He has attended various classes and course work in political science and labor management relations at the University of Missouri in St. Louis, St. Louis Community College and Jefferson College. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV67.

Beginning in 1993, Frame served on various committees in the Northwest School District, and served from 2003 to 2006 on the Northwest R-1 Board of Education. He was elected to the Missouri  House of Representatives in 2006, and since then has served on a number of committees, including financial institutions, small business, elections, general laws, appropriations – infrastructure and job creation, local government, emerging issues in agriculture, workforce development and professional registration. He is a current member of the Missouri Veterans Commission.

Roden, 31, lives at 6153 Brookton Oaks Drive, Cedar Hill, with his wife, Shannon. He is a firefighter/paramedic with the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District and a reserve deputy sheriff/SWAT medic with the Camden County Sheriff's Office. He holds an associate degree in paramedic technology from East Central College, a bachelor’s degree in fire science management from Lindenwood University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University. He is a member of the Franklin/Jefferson Heavy Rescue Task Force and the Missouri Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. He is an Eagle Scout and volunteered with the Boy Scouts from 1989 to 2001. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol 1996-2001; Boles Fire Protection District, 1999-present; and the Commemorative Air Force, 2009-present.

 

What role, if any, should the General Assembly take to regulate abortion?

Frame: In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that state laws which made it illegal for a woman to have an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy were unconstitutional and that decision should be left to the woman and her doctor to decide. Since this time, the Missouri General Assembly has passed a multitude of bills to restrict abortion in our state. However, because of the Supreme Court’s ruling on this issue, many attempts to restrict abortion have been deemed as unconstitutional. It is apparent to me and most Americans that those wishing to expand or restrict abortion rights must change the courts or U.S. Constitution in order to do so. Extreme positions on this subject dominate the national debate and energize fundraising movements, but have done little to change the legality of this issue.

Roden: The General Assembly should be promoting people to be proactive in taking personal responsibility. An innocent life is always precious and should not be taken for granted. A better course of action would be to ease the process of adoption and continue to teach prevention as an alternative to abortion.

Give some examples of when you have split with your party's position on issues.

Frame: I am proud to be the only state representative candidate in District 111 endorsed by the National Rifle Association this November. Many candidates talk about defending our Second Amendment rights, but only a select few meet the stringent criteria for a solid A+ rating and an NRA endorsement. I believe we must continue to protect the rights of hunters, sportsmen, gun owners and collectors. I believe government has no business infringing upon on our right to keep and bear arms. While this may put me at odds with some national Democrats, Missouri has had a long tradition of Democrats who are strongly pro-Second Amendment.

Roden: One example where I will split from party lines is the “Right to Work.” As my wife and I are both union firefighters, I cannot support a bill that would jeopardize or undermine the labor force.

Under what circumstances would you support an increase in Missouri's gasoline tax?

Frame: Our American infrastructure used to be the envy of the world. It allowed us to move commerce faster and transport our families safer than any nation. However, we have ignored our infrastructure and allowed it to age and crumble without replacement. Approximately 45 percent of MoDOT’s (Missouri Department of Transportation) budget comes from federal dollars and, unfortunately, our federal government is broken. Congress needs to pass a robust transportation bill to help states catch up with major repair and replacement programs. Likewise, state government must make infrastructure a priority. Obviously, a tax increase is unpopular and should only be considered once government has demonstrated fiscal prudence. You don't give giant tax breaks to millionaires and turn around and expect people to vote for a sales tax increase. I would support a modest increase in Missouri’s gasoline tax only if it were put up for approval by voters and Congress continues to fail to act.

Roden: There are no circumstances under which I could support raising the gasoline tax. I feel one of the largest reasons the economy is in the shape it is in is due to the drastic rise in the cost of gasoline. Anything that would cause it to increase even more will only negatively affect the struggling economy during this recovery.

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?

Frame: As a former school board member, I believe that a significant issue we face, in some school districts, is a lack of parental involvement. A parent being an active participate in the development of a child’s education is key to success. Often school districts with little parental involvement are in areas that are facing high unemployment and a lack of hope in the benefits of an education system. The Legislature can correct this issue by establishing a business environment conducive to creating good jobs. We can train and educate our children for the jobs of tomorrow. The availability and access to a good job provides a goal for a parent and student to work toward. We must also work with parents, teachers, school administrators and local school boards to provide them with the resources and support they need to provide a quality education to every student who cares to learn.

Roden: The largest problem with the educational system is the continued restriction of local schools. The best way to correct this issue is to work with the teachers and principals to find what the best way would be for the Legislature to help.

 

What changes, if any, do you support in Missouri's campaign finance laws?

Frame: We must limit the amount a candidate can receive from one individual. Missouri is currently one of only four states that allows an unlimited amount of campaign contributions. One individual recently gave $2.5 million to the incoming Speaker of the House, who has tremendous power over what legislation sees the light of day. The person donating the money has his own legislative agenda and priorities, so a contribution of that size amounts to legal bribery. Also, we must end an unlimited acceptance of gifts from lobbyists. The termination of unlimited gifts would mean members of the Legislature would no longer be allowed to accept travel, concert and sporting event tickets; golf outings; meals, etc. This would create a more honest legislative process geared toward constituents, not special interests.

Roden: At this time I do not have an opinion of the Missouri campaign finance laws.

 

Why are you a better choice than your opponent?

Frame: Working families in Jefferson County are hurting, which is why I’m running for state representative. When I arrive in Jefferson City, every proposal I make, every idea I advance will have a single central purpose: to revive a failing economy and create a business environment which is conducive to creating good jobs. I believe significant job creation can be found through American manufacturing, the construction of infrastructure and reduction of our federal trade deficit. It’s time to wake up. We have been giving away the wealth of our nation by outsourcing American labor for the last 30 years. American manufacturing and construction is what made our country great and the renewal of these industries is what drives me in public service. I believe the “Made in the USA” label can once again become the symbol of strength and quality throughout the world and lift this nation to continued economic prosperity.

Roden: I will continue to build the personal relationship with the community and those who serve as their representative. I work in a career where people will welcome you into their home at 2 a.m. because they trust you; that will carry into a different role of public service. At this point, we need to work on building that trust back with our elected officials and those they serve.

 

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