In a change from recent historical patterns, Democratic voters in Jefferson County won’t have much to decide in the Aug. 2 primary election, as almost all offices have an unopposed Democrat while in most cases, at least three Republicans are seeking their party’s nomination.
The race for District 113 in the Missouri House of Representatives is the exception.
Republican Dan Shaul of Imperial is seeking his second term but is running unopposed in the primary. Democratic voters will choose his opponent on Aug. 2 from either Mike Evans or Karen Settlemoir-Berg.
The winner will square off against Shaul in the November general election to represent northeast Jefferson County in the House.
State representatives serve two-year terms. The pay 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.
EVANS, 37, lives at 509 Hannah Way, Arnold. He is single and owns MWE Marketing Strategies. He is a former teacher in the Fox C-6 School District, He also has worked for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, has been an intern for former U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt and was an analyst for the National Security Agency. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from American University, a master’s degree in business education from Missouri Baptist University and an education sciences degree in curriculum from Missouri Baptist University. He has been a disability representative for the Aging and Disability Commission of Arnold since 2012, Midwest director for the Veterans and Military Families Council since 2006, was in the Missouri National Education Association Executive PAC and chaired the Arnold Veterans Commission. He is also a member of the Arnold Optimists, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, St. Louis Consortium of Veteran Leaders and St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Social media: Website: www.mike4missouri.com or secure.actblue.com/page/committee-to-elect-mike-evans-1 Facebook: evansforchange Twitter: @evansforchange or @movetmike
SETTLEMOIR-BERG, 59, lives at 501 Noble Court, Imperial. She and her husband, Gene Berg, have three children and six grandchildren. She is a union representative and executive vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management. She is the president-elect of the Labor and Employment Relations Association’s Gateway chapter, has been a United Way volunteer since 1985 and on its mental health allocations panel since 2011. She is a member of the National Rifle Association and AARP.
Social media: Website: www.BergforChange.com Facebook: BergForChange Twitter: @KarenBerg113
What role, if any, should the General Assembly take on regulating abortion?
Evans: Ensure that women have access to reproductive health services in a safe environment, and respect Roe v. Wade. This recent session was extremely disturbing given the hateful, bullying manner many legislators brought into legislation and other despicable stunts to block access and create unnecessary barriers.
Settlemoir-Berg: We have federal laws in place that already address this issue. The General Assembly has made huge strides to regulate abortion in the past few years, leaving little if any new regulations necessary.
What should be done to address partisan nastiness in the Legislature?
Evans: First, we’ve got to stop the excessive donations allowed under current Missouri ethics laws. Then, it’s truly a matter of the elected body to make an effort to work together with communication, cooperation and collaboration. After Orlando, it is clear some will never change. However, I will work with all members to bring forth legislation that benefits the constituents and makes our state stronger.
Settlemoir-Berg: The most important thing we can do is see those on the other side of the political aisle not as opponents but as fellow public servants with different views but the same goal – a stronger, safer Missouri.
What programs or services should be cut to balance the state budget?
Evans: There are several ways to do this, but I would start with boards and commissions that cost money but produce little. Second, doing away with “tax credits” and other financial reliefs that only benefit less than 2 percent of Missourians. Something I will never cut is funding for our seniors, disabled or funding for our public schools.
Settlemoir-Berg: We spend a great deal of money subsidizing billion-dollar businesses when the free market should be doing that for us. We should find places where the state is doling out corporate welfare and nix it from our budget.
Explain your position on Medicaid expansion.
Evans: It’s a very sad state of affairs that we are missing out in millions in federal dollars that would fund the expansion. Medicaid expansion is a part of my platform, and will work tirelessly to ensure we expand coverage to veterans, seniors, the disabled and working-class families. It’s not a game, and it’s not about freeloaders. The expansion of Medicaid is about the health of our neighbors, friends, family and even ourselves, and we cannot wait any longer.
Settlemoir-Berg: We are throwing away money to the federal government and receiving nothing in return by failing to responsibly expand Medicaid. Not only would it give medical coverage to close to 400,000 individuals, it would bring around 24,000 new jobs to Missouri. In turn, it will bring down medical costs.
Should the General Assembly impose limits on donations to political campaigns? What changes would you advocate, if any?
Evans: Yes! I would push for a cap immediately that applies to individual contributions, corporate and PAC money. There is no reason to spend the money that is spent on state House and Senate races. When someone gives you a $100,000 contribution, you better believe you are working for them and not the people you represent.
Settlemoir-Berg: While I support free speech, we should not allow a handful of the wealthiest people to control our political process. We need to overhaul our state policy regarding campaign donations so that more politicians work for their constituents, not for their donors.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Evans: 1. Economic growth and sustainability: Strengthen Main streets, work to bring jobs in manufacturing, oppose right-to-work and increase the minimum wage.
2. Veterans and seniors: Work to have veterans homes we need and be an advocate for seniors.
3. Women and education: Fight against the “hate-bullying” legislation that does nothing to ensure women’s safety, fully fund the education funding formula.
4. Respect: Diversity is good and hatred is not, and I will work to end bullying for children, minorities, the disabled, LGBT people and always show respect to the earth we live on.
I have the proven leadership experience as chairman of the Arnold Veterans Commission, as a business teacher at Fox High School and through my service in the military.
Settlemoir-Berg: Voters should elect me because I’m not a politician. I’m a working mother who has lived the struggles of supporting a family in today’s economy. I’ve spent years working to negotiate the best terms between businesses and workers, giving me a unique view into that part of our state. We need to bring honesty and integrity back to our state capital and work to enhance the growth of small business, improve our schools and infrastructure and make sure we are truly representing the people who elected us.