Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, the current state representative for District 115, is running for State Senate. Republicans Bill Lucas and Dominic “Dom” Lawson are seeking the seat.
The winner of the primary will face Democrat David George of De Soto.
District 115 covers parts of Festus, Hillsboro, De Soto, Valles Mines and
Dittmer in Jefferson County.
According to the 2023-2024 Official Manual State of Missouri, state legislators received a salary of $39,264. The term is for two years.
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 is married to Donna and they have three children and six grandchildren. He graduated from De Soto High School in 1976 and Jefferson College in 1990. He earned a certificate of industrial foremanship in 1989.
Bill Lucas
Lawson, 54, of De Soto is self-employed in residential construction. He has three children and one grandson. He attended Sunrise Schools and graduated from De Soto High School in 1988. He attended Central Florida Community College. He completed an apprentice program with a carpenter’s union and received a journeyman card.
Dominic Lawson
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.
Lawson: I was elected to the board of trustees for Carson Hill Cemetery, volunteered 15 years in short-term missions with assemblies of God constructing schools all through Latin America.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
Lucas: Infrastructure and industry. Getting Hwy. 21 farther south would greatly help us grow in southern Jefferson County.
Lawson: Infrastructure, specifically, Hwy. 21. Work with MoDOT East/West Gateway to get project moving forward. Infrastructure brings opportunities, safety of roads.
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.
Lawson: Bring common sense to the table, identify the true needs versus wants, listen to the citizens of the district, and work with other reps. to get issues resolved.
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.
Lawson: It’s good to have a set standard, to encourage or retain great teachers. Schools are some of the cornerstones to a community. Education starts in the home. They are there as partners with fathers and mothers. Funding is serious and needs to be looked into.
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 fringe forced a filibuster and killed it. I feel the threshold could be raised.
Lawson: No, do not support this. Why? That is a right given to citizens to petition the government for redress of grievances when the elected officials in instances overstep the will of the people!
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 Jeff City. My Marine Corps training instilled the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and service. I want to serve again and help steady the ship.
Lawson: Born and raised here, I care about what happens here. Retired folks, young families, children/having the same opportunities that I have received from this community. Protect and defend the constitutional rights of citizens. Work to bring infrastructure here.
