Ann Wagner of Ballwin is seeking a third term as District 2 representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
To return to Washington, she’ll have to defeat three challengers in the Nov. 8 general election – Democrat Bill Otto of Maryland Heights, Libertarian Jim Higgins of Creve Coeur and Green Party candidate David Justus Arnold of St. Louis.
None of the candidates returned a Leader candidate questionnaire in time for inclusion in the newspaper, but Arnold later contacted the newspaper, so his profile is included here.
Wagner, 53, is a former U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg and was the first woman to chair the Missouri Republican party.
Otto, 60, is a retired air traffic controller and veteran of the U.S. Navy, according to his campaign website.
Higgins is a retired computer systems analyst, according to his campaign website.
The pay for U.S. representative is $174,000 a year, plus allowances. The term is for two years.
ARNOLD, 59, lives at 8325 Horst Drive, St. Louis, with his wife, Maureen McKenzie. He has two adult children from a previous marriage. He is a full-time union bus driver and has been a computer programmer, database and system designer, trainer for speech recognition and computer tools for the disabled. A graduate of Parkway Central High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Kansas. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.
Website: electDavidArnold.weebly.com
Why do you want to serve in Congress?
Arnold: I decided that it was time for me to “be the change I want to see.”
What makes you the best person for the job?
Arnold: My experience with computer technology for nearly 50 years, and my long view of its history and perspective that gives me for the present and near future, is unique among the candidates. This is exactly what we need now.
What is your top priority issue? If elected, how would you tackle this issue? Be specific.
Arnold: The No. 1 priority is to establish a universal unconditional basic income. To do this requires broad understanding of how we create money in the United States, the real and imminent impact of recent advances in artificial intelligence systems on blue-collar and white-collar jobs and the wages that go with them, and how to ensure our society and individuals retain their rights and survival.
What does your candidacy offer Jefferson County voters specifically?
Arnold: It is my belief that the role of a representative is to represent the entire district, not just one’s supporters. This is a harder job than just going with the majority in every case, but guarantees that just because Jefferson County is a small portion of the district, the residents of Jefferson County will not be ignored for expediency.
What is your single best accomplishment in public service so far?
Arnold: I was the chief petitioner in a state audit of Rock Hill that resulted in the prosecution and conviction of a misguided mayor and restitution of funds to the city.
Do you support your party's nominee for president? Explain why or why not.
Arnold: Yes. Dr. Jill Stein proposes a WPA-style project to convert the U.S. to green and renewable power. This will end our oil wars. On this and other issues, like drug abuse, she has the correct priorities. Treat drugs as a medical problem, not a legal problem. She is level-headed, polite and can explain things in simple terms, but has depth of understanding.