For the third time this year, voters who live in the 97th District of the Missouri House of Representatives will be asked to vote for a representative.
Residents of the district, which takes in parts of north and northwest Jefferson County as well as parts of Oakville in south St. Louis County, went to the polls on Feb. 6 in a special election to fill a vacancy created when John McCaherty resigned in the middle of his fourth and final two-year term.
When McCaherty stepped down in September 2017, he said he wanted to concentrate on his campaign for Jefferson County executive. However, McCaherty never filed for the office, saying he intended to work in the private sector.
In that special election, Democrat Mike Revis defeated Republican David C. Linton by 110 votes.
They returned in August for the primary election. While Revis ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket, Mary Elizabeth Coleman downed Linton and Phil Amato on the Republican side.
Voters on Nov. 6 will choose who will serve a full two-year term.
State senators and representatives receive a $35,915 annual salary plus mileage and $115 per day in expenses for each day the General Assembly is in session.
COLEMAN, 36, lives at 1020 Sable Lane, Arnold. She and her husband, Christopher, have six children. She is a stay-at-home mother who formerly was an estate planning attorney and chief executive officer of the TuckerAllen law firm. She represented Ward 2 on the Arnold City Council from 2013-2015. A Leander High School graduate, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from St. Louis University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University. She volunteers in her parish and with a number of charities that focus on children and education. She serves on the boards of Arch Grants and the St. Louis Zoo.
Social media: Website: maryelizabethcoleman.com Twitter: @meaccoleman Facebook: Mary Elizabeth Coleman Instagram: maryelizabethcoleman
REVIS, 27, lives at 22 Circle Drive, Fenton. He now works for Grey Eagle Distributing and formerly was a purchasing manager for Anheuser-Busch. A graduate of Rockwood Summit High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration-marketing from University of Missouri in Columbia.
Social media: Facebook: Mike Revis Website: revisformissouri.com
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Coleman: Federal law protects Missourians with pre-existing conditions.
Revis: When I hear the words “pre-existing condition,” I immediately think of many friends and family members close to me with one, then I think of my own. Missouri ranks near the top in states with individuals who have pre-existing conditions. An insurance company should not have the ability to deny health care coverage for someone with a pre-existing condition, nor charge outrageous premiums if they do. While much of this debate takes place at the federal level, I would fight to support adoption at the state level of legislation to protect these individuals.
Missourians voted overwhelmingly against a “right to work” amendment in the August election. Legislative leaders have said they may introduce a similar bill next year. If “right to work” comes up during your term, how will you vote and why?
Coleman: I agree with Gov. Parson and consider the issue settled law. The people have spoken loud and clear and I respect their decision. I have heard no discussion of this issue being brought up again except from Democratic candidates. This is typical fear-mongering we have grown accustomed to from the left.
Revis: As the son, grandson, godson, cousin, nephew and neighbor to union members, I joined the 78 percent of Jefferson County voters that said no to Prop A. This summer I suspended my campaign in order to join labor and go door-to-door to campaign against it. I’m not one who is changing my stance in an effort to gain votes saying that now I’ll “uphold the will of the people,” because I was with the people from the beginning. I’ll also oppose repeals of prevailing wages, paycheck deception and other attacks on labor and the middle class.
Will you vote for or against Proposition D, the transportation tax on the November ballot? Why?
Coleman: I support Proposition D because it is about safety on our roads and in our communities. I am proud to join a statewide coalition of farmers, business people, professional associations, labor, city and county leaders and law enforcement supporters. This diverse group has come together to vote yes on Proposition D because we care about public safety and about Missouri’s transportation infrastructure, which is necessary to grow our state’s economy. The funds from this proposition will be used to strengthen state law enforcement and to repair our aging road system with 21st century safety improvements.
Revis: People should keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible. As someone who drives a pickup and keeps a close eye on personal spending, I was initially hesitant to support Prop D. After talking to experts, analysts and constituents, it’s clear our current system is not sustainable to support our vastly growing and outdated transportation system and therefore, I will be supporting Prop D. With the more fuel-efficient vehicles and the gradual adjustment, the change will be difficult but drastically impactful.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Roe v. Wade is a state matter, what would you advocate for?
Coleman: A complete and total ban of abortion in the state of Missouri.
Revis: As a Catholic, I personally oppose abortion. As a representative, I stayed true to my district and voted to oppose abortion. If Missouri were to overturn the ruling, I would fight to fund prenatal and child care assistance for mothers in financial situations who would likely terminate their pregnancy. I’d fight to make sure preventive measures are taken, such as sex education and ensuring women the access to birth control and to continue to allow the procedure when a doctor declares it necessary to save the mother’s life or if the mother is a victim of sexual assault.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Coleman: Like many conservatives across Missouri, I watched with disappointment in February when a special election put our district in Democratic hands for the first time in a decade. Friends and neighbors approached me about running because they want a strong voice in Jefferson City who lives our shared values. Having run a small business, I understand the need for consistency in tax laws and regulations. On the Arnold City Council, I used my legal experience and practical approach to spearhead economic development. I can help bring some common sense to Missouri government.
Revis: I’m honored to have been chosen by the people to serve as representative since February. Jefferson County is my home. My deep roots in the community give me a strong understanding of how we feel and believe. I will continue to serve people before politics and put the needs of the district over a one-sided party platform. I will continue to work across the aisle and be a defender of the working and middle class. You have two ears and one mouth, and that’s so you listen more than you speak, and that is what I’ll do.