Justin Sparks of Glencoe is seeking his second term as the state representative for District 110. His Republican challenger in the August primary is Scott Ottenberg of Wildwood. Sparks did not return a Leader questionnaire.
In November, the winner of the primary will run against Democrat Josh Thackston of Wildwood.
District 110 is part of St. Louis County.
According to the 2023-2024 Official Manual State of Missouri, state legislators received a salary of $39,264.
Ottenberg, 70, of Wildwood is retired after working as a sales and marketing leader. He and his wife, Mary, have two children and three grandchildren. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology in 1976 from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.
Scott Ottenberg
What experience do you have that might serve you in this position?
Ottenberg: He has been a member of the Wildwood City Council since 2021 and chairman of the city’s Economic Development Committee since 2022 and the city’s Planning and Parks Committee since 2021. He is a past member of the Watershed Erosion Task Force and has been a YMCA volunteer since 1998.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
Ottenberg: 1. We need tougher criminal penalties, and in Wildwood, we passed legislation toughening penalties for vehicle tampering.
2. We need tax cuts, and we passed a tax cut on natural gas purchases.
3. We need to control spending, and we kept a new sales tax off the ballot.
4. Watershed erosion (especially at Caulk’s Creek), and I visited erosions sites in Wildwood and Clarkson Valley with city personnel, including the Clarkson Valley mayor, and supported crafting a stormwater master plan to qualify for EPA funding to address erosion and promoted cooperation in this effort between Clarkson Valley and Wildwood.
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 to be changed to address the problem?
Ottenberg: The people elect representatives to get things done on their behalf. Elected representatives should put the needs of the people first and contact city governments in their districts at least twice annually to understand the issues those cities face. Representatives should constantly knock on residents’ doors to learn their issues when in office, and I will knock on several thousand doors during this campaign to listen to residents. Representatives must work toward mutual agreements on issues. As Ronald Reagan said, “Sometimes it is better to get half a loaf rather than no loaf.”
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?
Ottenberg: While raising the minimum teacher salary to $40,000 is a positive step, the lack of a state funding mechanism raises concerns. I believe the state should focus on using existing dollars more efficiently. By expanding charter schools and introducing more educational options, we can create market competition, which drives quality. Additionally, implementing a Parents Bill of Rights will ensure transparency and empower parents to make informed decisions. These measures will help ensure every student receives a top-notch education, regardless of the funding challenges.
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?
Ottenberg: I support the people’s right to amend the state constitution and believe this fundamental right should be preserved. However, I also support common-sense reforms to ensure a balanced approach. It is essential that urban population centers do not impose a liberal agenda on an otherwise conservative state. By implementing reasonable reforms, we can maintain the integrity of the initiative petition process while ensuring all voices across the state are fairly represented. This approach protects democratic principles and promotes a more equitable system for all Missourians.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Ottenberg: Priority 1 is capping property tax assessment increases through a four-point plan that includes an assessment increase cap for all Missourians, special protection for seniors, ending phantom (or ghost) assessments and reviewing the entire assessment process. I have a record of working with others to get things done to benefit residents, like adopting tougher criminal penalties, tax cuts and spending restraints. I listen to residents by knocking on doors; attending homeowners association meetings and morning breakfast meetings; chairing economic update forums at City Hall; and walking neighborhoods. I have been listening directly to the people constantly since first taking office.
