Republican Paul Wieland is seeking a second four-year term as the District 22 representative in the Missouri Senate in the Nov. 6 general election.
To return to Jefferson City, Wieland, a self-employed insurance agent and broker from Imperial, will have to turn back challenges from Democrat Robert Butler, an attorney from Barnhart, and Libertarian candidate Richie Camden, a self-employed dog trainer and public speaker who lives in the Hillsboro area.
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.
WIELAND, 55, lives at 1015 Castlemain Drive, Imperial. He and his wife, Terri, have three daughters. Before being elected to the Senate, he served three terms in the state House of Representatives. A St. Pius X High School graduate, he attended Benedictine College and the University of Missouri campuses in St. Louis and Columbia. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Twin City Rotary Club.
He was on the advisory board and chairman of the long-range planning committee for St. Pius X High School and was chairman of the boards of the Jefferson County Health Department, St. Joseph Catholic School, the Mastodon Art and Science Fair and the University Extension Council. He also was a founding member of the Jeffco Business Network and was a member of the boards of the Jefferson County Health and Safety Foundation and the Jefferson County Community Partnership Board.
Social media: Website: wielandnow.com Facebook: Paul Wieland Twitter: @wielandnow
BUTLER, 54, lives at 4594 Klable Road, Barnhart. He and his wife, Miriam, have four children. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1986 and a law degree in 1989, both from the University of Missouri. He has been on the Democratic Central Committee since 2016 and is the president of the Northwest Jefferson County Democratic Club. As a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, he has been secretary of the men’s club, president of the parish council and a parish finance committee member. He also has coached youth sports.
Social media: Website: RobertButlerForSenate.com Facebook: Robert Butler for Senate
CAMDEN, 33, lives at 506 Tower Valley Drive, Hillsboro. He and his wife, Leah, have one child. He earned a bachelor’s degree in digital cinema with a double minor in English writing and electronic journalism from Northern Michigan University in 2008 and a dog training certification from Animal Behavior College in 2011. He has been president of the Upper Tower Valley Road Association since 2016 and was elected to the Libertarian State Committee in February. He volunteers to train sled dogs and has fostered animals for rescue groups and has volunteered to rehabilitate and assess behavior of dogs for All New Hope.
Social media: Website: camdenforsenate.com Facebook: Richie Camden for Missouri State Senate
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Wieland: They are protected. This is from the hhs.gov website: “Under current law, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. These rules went into effect for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.”
Butler: Providing access to quality, affordable health care for those with pre-existing conditions makes sense morally and economically. The failure of Jefferson City politicians to opt in to federally matched programs has been an embarrassment. Every year, more of our hard-earned tax dollars leave this state while hospitals close and we see longer lines for care, higher copays and more expensive prescriptions. Opting in to these programs would also reduce the number of people in the Medicare ‘doughnut hole’ who earn too much to qualify for assistance programs but not enough to receive help when buying private insurance.
Camden: Getting the government out of health care would be a good start. Retooling the system so consumers have more freedom and choice is a must. I would like to see more screenings and incentives for those who live healthy lifestyles. Requiring employers to pay for insurance is a mistake. If you are fired or quit you lose your insurance, and if you are receiving medical treatment, you become a “pre-existing condition.” Employers should pay wages where employees can afford their own health care. This will reduce the number of uninsured, as we can keep our insurance while changing careers.
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?
Wieland: Over the past eight years, I have consistently voted against “right-to-work” proposals and would do so again.
Butler: I strongly oppose “right-to-work.” I will also vote with labor families on issues like project labor agreements, paycheck deception and minimum wage. My opponent has voted against labor on all those issues. When Jefferson County voters defeated Prop A by an overwhelming margin in August, we sent a message: Working families need an advocate who will stand up for union households rather than a politician who only supports labor when it is convenient. My opponent has voted against labor five out of eight times since 2016. I will be an unwavering supporter of working families.
Camden: Our leaders are supposed to reflect the people who elected them. I think the question we need to be asking is why they want to keep introducing this amendment after it has been voted down by the people they supposedly represent. I am pro-union, so I would vote against re-introducing it.
Will you vote for or against Proposition D, the transportation tax on the November ballot? Why?
Wieland: Proposition D will increase the current state motor fuel tax rate from 17 cents per gallon to 19.5 cents beginning July 1, 2019; 22 cents beginning July 1, 2020; 24.5 cents beginning July 1, 2021; 27 cents beginning July 1, 2022. This will also increase the tax on alternative fuels from 17 cents to 27 cents beginning Jan. 1, 2026. I voted to put this proposition on the ballot because it is crucial that our citizens have the opportunity to decide if this is the right way for Missouri to address the issue of improving our infrastructure.
Butler: The condition of our roads has become a safety concern as well as a drag on economic development. Because of the dire situation faced by our roads and bridges, I will vote yes on Proposition D. However, I generally oppose this kind of tax because it unfairly shifts the burden onto the hardest-working Missourians who rely on low gas prices to make their living. Last session, Jefferson City incumbents irresponsibly voted to reduce available funding for roads so that they could give a break to billionaires and huge, out-of-state corporations. We need to make responsible budgeting a priority.
Camden: I would vote against Proposition D. I don't believe new taxes are needed as much as we need accountability from politicians for what our tax dollars are being spent on. Let’s stop corrupt politicians suing for $10,000 pay raises and start spending our tax money properly. It’s a pretty simple concept and yet these self-serving yo-yos in Jefferson City can’t figure it out.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Roe v. Wade is a state matter, what would you advocate for?
Wieland: I have always advocated for and been a champion of life. I believe life is sacred at all levels of development. Nothing the Supreme Court does will change my opinion on this matter.
Butler: I am a lifelong Catholic and I oppose abortion in most cases. Where I differ starkly from my opponent on this issue is that I will work to improve health care access for women and children, before, during and after pregnancy. I also support increasing access to contraception for women. Comprehensive sex education is another tool that should be available to young people. As a state senator, I will always look for ways to support families with more options for quality, affordable health care. Providing economic stability for women and families is the best way to prevent abortions.
Camden: I think as a society we need to become more empathetic and less judgmental toward people in differing situations. Roe v. Wade should be upheld in Missouri. The best way to reduce abortions is to help one another. I understand that this is more difficult than trying to legislate morality for others. But we all walk our own path and I would do anything to help another person bring life into this world rather than pass a law and sit on a high horse pretending everyone should live up to my standards.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Wieland: I am the most qualified. I reflect the views of the majority of Jefferson Countians and no one works harder for the residents than I do. I have been endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, National Rifle Association, St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council, Laborers Local 110, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Butler: My family and I have lived in Jefferson County for 22 years. Every day, I talk to working families and small businesses that feel shortchanged by our government. I will work with both sides of the aisle to increase options for quality health care, restore funding to public schools and to support infrastructure and law enforcement – including Jefferson County 911 Dispatch. A state senator should listen to local opinions on local issues. That means putting constituents ahead of lobbyists. I pledge not to accept lobbyist gifts. Most importantly, I want to bring Jefferson County values to Jefferson City.
Camden: I'm honest and accountable. If you look at my fundraising, it is all through friends, family and myself – no businesses or political action committees. I am not rich, I understand the daily struggle to get by. I don't pretend to have all of the answers but I will do everything I can to help others. Some of my goals are to legalize marijuana, both medically and recreationally. I want to roll back regulations in the health care industry and I want to put an end to the two-party system.
DISTRICT 22:
Paul Wieland (Republican)
Robert Butler (Democrat)
Richie Camden (Libertarian).
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 22
Butler, Camden seek to block Wieland from second term
Republican Paul Wieland is seeking a second four-year term as the District 22 representative in the Missouri Senate in the Nov. 6 general election.
To return to Jefferson City, Wieland, a self-employed insurance agent and broker from Imperial, will have to turn back challenges from Democrat Robert Butler, an attorney from Barnhart, and Libertarian candidate Richie Camden, a self-employed dog trainer and public speaker who lives in the Hillsboro area.
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.
WIELAND, 55, lives at 1015 Castlemain Drive, Imperial. He and his wife, Terri, have three daughters. Before being elected to the Senate, he served three terms in the state House of Representatives. ASt.PiusXHigh School graduate, he attended BenedictineCollege and the University of Missouri campuses in St. Louis and Columbia. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Twin City Rotary Club.
He was on the advisory board and chairman of the long-range planning committee for St. Pius X High School and was chairman of the boards of the Jefferson County Health Department, St. JosephCatholicSchool, the Mastodon Art and Science Fair and the University Extension Council. He also was a founding member of the Jeffco Business Network and was a member of the boards of the Jefferson County Health and Safety Foundation and the Jefferson County Community Partnership Board.
Social media: Website: wielandnow.com Facebook: Paul Wieland Twitter: @wielandnow
BUTLER, 54, lives at 4594 Klable Road, Barnhart. He and his wife, Miriam, have four children. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1986 and a law degree in 1989, both from the University of Missouri. He has been on the Democratic Central Committee since 2016 and is the president of the Northwest Jefferson County Democratic Club. As a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, he has been secretary of the men’s club, president of the parish council and a parish finance committee member. He also has coached youth sports.
Social media: Website: RobertButlerForSenate.com Facebook: Robert Butler for Senate
CAMDEN, 33, lives at 506 Tower Valley Drive, Hillsboro. He and his wife, Leah, have one child. He earned a bachelor’s degree in digital cinema with a double minor in English writing and electronic journalism from NorthernMichiganUniversity in 2008 and a dog training certification from AnimalBehaviorCollege in 2011. He has been president of the Upper Tower Valley Road Association since 2016 and was elected to the Libertarian State Committee in February. He volunteers to train sled dogs and has fostered animals for rescue groups and has volunteered to rehabilitate and assess behavior of dogs for All New Hope.
Social media: Website: camdenforsenate.com Facebook: Richie Camden for Missouri State Senate
What are your thoughts on how to protect insurance coverage for Missourians who have pre-existing conditions?
Wieland: They are protected. This is from the hhs.gov website: “Under current law, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. These rules went into effect for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.”
Butler: Providing access to quality, affordable health care for those with pre-existing conditions makes sense morally and economically. The failure of Jefferson City politicians to opt in to federally matched programs has been an embarrassment. Every year, more of our hard-earned tax dollars leave this state while hospitals close and we see longer lines for care, higher copays and more expensive prescriptions. Opting in to these programs would also reduce the number of people in the Medicare ‘doughnut hole’ who earn too much to qualify for assistance programs but not enough to receive help when buying private insurance.
Camden: Getting the government out of health care would be a good start. Retooling the system so consumers have more freedom and choice is a must. I would like to see more screenings and incentives for those who live healthy lifestyles. Requiring employers to pay for insurance is a mistake. If you are fired or quit you lose your insurance, and if you are receiving medical treatment, you become a “pre-existing condition.” Employers should pay wages where employees can afford their own health care. This will reduce the number of uninsured, as we can keep our insurance while changing careers.
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?
Wieland: Over the past eight years, I have consistently voted against “right-to-work” proposals and would do so again.
Butler: I strongly oppose “right-to-work.” I will also vote with labor families on issues like project labor agreements, paycheck deception and minimum wage. My opponent has voted against labor on all those issues. When JeffersonCounty voters defeated Prop A by an overwhelming margin in August, we sent a message: Working families need an advocate who will stand up for union households rather than a politician who only supports labor when it is convenient. My opponent has voted against labor five out of eight times since 2016. I will be an unwavering supporter of working families.
Camden: Our leaders are supposed to reflect the people who elected them. I think the question we need to be asking is why they want to keep introducing this amendment after it has been voted down by the people they supposedly represent. I am pro-union, so I would vote against re-introducing it.
Will you vote for or against Proposition D, the transportation tax on the November ballot? Why?
Wieland: Proposition D will increase the current state motor fuel tax rate from 17 cents per gallon to 19.5 cents beginning July 1, 2019; 22 cents beginning July 1, 2020; 24.5 cents beginning July 1, 2021; 27 cents beginning July 1, 2022. This will also increase the tax on alternative fuels from 17 cents to 27 cents beginning Jan. 1, 2026. I voted to put this proposition on the ballot because it is crucial that our citizens have the opportunity to decide if this is the right way for Missouri to address the issue of improving our infrastructure.
Butler: The condition of our roads has become a safety concern as well as a drag on economic development. Because of the dire situation faced by our roads and bridges, I will vote yes on Proposition D. However, I generally oppose this kind of tax because it unfairly shifts the burden onto the hardest-working Missourians who rely on low gas prices to make their living. Last session, Jefferson City incumbents irresponsibly voted to reduce available funding for roads so that they could give a break to billionaires and huge, out-of-state corporations. We need to make responsible budgeting a priority.
Camden: I would vote against Proposition D. I don't believe new taxes are needed as much as we need accountability from politicians for what our tax dollars are being spent on. Let’s stop corrupt politicians suing for $10,000 pay raises and start spending our tax money properly. It’s a pretty simple concept and yet these self-serving yo-yos in Jefferson City can’t figure it out.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Roe v. Wade is a state matter, what would you advocate for?
Wieland: I have always advocated for and been a champion of life. I believe life is sacred at all levels of development. Nothing the Supreme Court does will change my opinion on this matter.
Butler: I am a lifelong Catholic and I oppose abortion in most cases. Where I differ starkly from my opponent on this issue is that I will work to improve health care access for women and children, before, during and after pregnancy. I also support increasing access to contraception for women. Comprehensive sex education is another tool that should be available to young people. As a state senator, I will always look for ways to support families with more options for quality, affordable health care. Providing economic stability for women and families is the best way to prevent abortions.
Camden: I think as a society we need to become more empathetic and less judgmental toward people in differing situations. Roe v. Wade should be upheld in Missouri. The best way to reduce abortions is to help one another. I understand that this is more difficult than trying to legislate morality for others. But we all walk our own path and I would do anything to help another person bring life into this world rather than pass a law and sit on a high horse pretending everyone should live up to my standards.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Wieland: I am the most qualified. I reflect the views of the majority of Jefferson Countians and no one works harder for the residents than I do. I have been endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, National Rifle Association, St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council, Laborers Local 110, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Butler: My family and I have lived in JeffersonCounty for 22 years. Every day, I talk to working families and small businesses that feel shortchanged by our government. I will work with both sides of the aisle to increase options for quality health care, restore funding to public schools and to support infrastructure and law enforcement – including Jefferson County 911 Dispatch. A state senator should listen to local opinions on local issues. That means putting constituents ahead of lobbyists. I pledge not to accept lobbyist gifts. Most importantly, I want to bring JeffersonCounty values to Jefferson City.
Camden: I'm honest and accountable. If you look at my fundraising, it is all through friends, family and myself – no businesses or political action committees. I am not rich, I understand the daily struggle to get by. I don't pretend to have all of the answers but I will do everything I can to help others. Some of my goals are to legalize marijuana, both medically and recreationally. I want to roll back regulations in the health care industry and I want to put an end to the two-party system.